By: Sports Desk |
July 12, 2022 10:45:10 am
Neeraj Chopra has aced his rivals when it matters the most. A World Championship gold to go with the one from Tokyo will make him one of the greatest ever. (File)
Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Neeraj Chopra’s quest to break the 90-metre mark remained unfulfilled but the Indian javelin throw star will have another chance to break it into the 90 metres mark at the World Athletics Championships, starting July 15.
The men’s javelin throw at World Championship is scheduled to start with the qualification rounds on July 21. The final is scheduled for July 23.
It felt amazing to be back on the Diamond League circuit and even better to get a new PB!
All the throwers put up a great show tonight for the crowd in Stockholm!
Next stop ➡️ Representing 🇮🇳 at the World Championships in Eugene pic.twitter.com/OpiXyrp4wv
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) June 30, 2022
Earlier this month, the 24-year-old came within six centimetres when he broke the national record for the second time in a month with an opening throw of 89.94 metres at the Stockholm Diamond League.
Talking about crossing the 90-metre mark before his season opener in Turku, Chopra had said: “I want to do my best. Overall the competition in the world is improving. But it all depends on the day. How the throwers manage the kind of weather and conditions is important because it has an effect. My aim is also to achieve it (90 metres) at one of the competitions. I will not leave any stone unturned.”
READ |Diamond League: Neeraj Chopra rewrites national record again
In an interview with the ‘World Athletics’ last year, Neeraj had shared his top five tips for beginner javelin throwers.
Making the most of the facilities
Growing up, Chopra didn’t even know what a javelin was. It changed when he started going to the local sports stadium to run to stay fit.
“You don’t need to have the most fancy facilities to train in. Wherever you are, whatever facility you have, just keep training and keep at it,” Chopra was quoted as saying.
“I thought I could throw 90m today, but slow improvement is good!”@neeraj_chopra1 was happy with his Indian record at #StockholmDL
🇮🇳 #DiamondLeague pic.twitter.com/O3jJgmCJ2n
— Wanda Diamond League (@Diamond_League) June 30, 2022
Patience
Neeraj broke the world U-20 record in Bydgoszcz to win India’s first ever gold medal at the World Athletics U20 Championships in 2016. Five years later, he became India’s first-ever Olympic champion in athletics with a throw of 87.58m. He says it is the patience that has kept him going.
“In a sport like javelin, you need to give yourself time to make things happen, so be patient,” he said.
All set for world championships @WCHoregon22 pic.twitter.com/QuYHrOGndc
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) July 4, 2022
Hard work
In the lead-up to Tokyo, Chopra got injured, and went through surgery but he never gave up and kept working hard to live up the billings.
“There are no shortcuts to success, as they say. So, keep the grind, keep at it, and put in the hard work,” said Chopra.
No better feeling than being back on the track! Very happy to start my 2022 season with a Personal Best throw 89.30m. Thank you @paavonurmigames for a great experience and congrats to Oliver Helander for the win. Next stop @KuortaneGames.
आप सभी के support के लिए धन्यवाद | 🇮🇳🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/FO7INKMagq
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) June 15, 2022
Good coach
Chopra trained under Gary Calvert to his world U-20 title and for the past few years has been working with biomechanics expert Klaus Bartonietz.
“Javelin is a technical event, make sure you have somebody with you like a good coach or an experienced mentor who can guide you and show you that you are going the right way,” he said.
Self-belief
Subscriber Only StoriesView All
PremiumUN population report: Global life expectancy falls after Covid-19 years
PremiumUN population report explained: A look at the trends, projections and imp…
PremiumSuman Bery writes: NITI Aayog’s role in ensuring collaboration betw…
PremiumFacing heat after rape ban, Uber warmed up to TOI group, got its investmentSubscribe Now to get 66% OFF
“Lastly and most importantly, believe in yourself. Have faith in your own ability, and your ability to do well for yourself and for your country,” he signed off.
UPSC Key |
The Indian Express helps you prepare for the Civil Services and other competitive exams with cues on how to read and understand content.
Read here
- The Indian Express website has been rated GREEN for its credibility and trustworthiness by Newsguard, a global service that rates news sources for their journalistic standards.
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
- Tags:
- Neeraj Chopra
