Neeraj Chopra, India’s javelin throw sensation, showcased a reflective rather than celebratory mood after clinching a silver medal in the men’s javelin throw final at the Paris Olympics. With this silver, Chopra adds to his previous gold, marking an unparalleled achievement in Indian sports. Despite his remarkable feat, Chopra faced pressing issues beyond the podium.
Chopra’s gold-silver double is unique in Indian sport, but his immediate focus post-Paris was on dealing with persistent challenges, notably a recurring groin injury that has plagued him for years. This injury, which has been a hindrance for Chopra, affected his performance and prevented him from surpassing the gold medalist, Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan. Nadeem set a new Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 meters, while Chopra’s best throw was 88.54 meters.
READ MORE: Neeraj Chopra Says ‘I Gave My Best, But It Was Arshad’s Day’ After Paris Olympics Silver
“I will talk to my team and take a decision accordingly,” Chopra stated after the final. He acknowledged the injury’s impact on his performance, saying, “I am pushing myself despite the current situation of my body. The throw is good. But there’s still a lot inside me and I have to keep myself fit for it.” Chopra’s groin issue has not only affected his throws but also his training and participation in key meets, including his withdrawal from the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Chopra emphasized the challenge of balancing his focus between managing the injury and honing his technique. “Doctors told me to go for surgery last year. Kheech raha hoon abhi tak (I’m stretching myself till now). There have been treatments since. But we will have to take a big decision,” he explained. Despite his physical challenges, Chopra remains optimistic about his potential. “I already threw 89.94m (personal best in 2022) with this injury. When I throw, I always focus almost 50 percent on my injury. We have to focus mostly on technique, but it’s really hard for me with this injury,” he said.
Chopra was genuinely pleased with Nadeem’s victory and noted, “Arshad did so well. Bahut maza aaya. If he can avoid injuries, his throws will only get better.” Reflecting on the competition, Chopra described the final as “the greatest ever” due to the high level of throws from all competitors.
As Chopra plans his next steps, he remains focused on addressing his injury and aiming for future improvements. “Medals are a different thing. But jo ek distance hai mere andar… after the 2018 Asian Games when I threw 88m, I feel there is a better throw left in me. Kaafi kuch hai andaar. Karenge bilkul (There’s a lot left in me, we will do it for sure),” he asserted.
Neeraj Chopra’s journey, marked by his remarkable achievements and ongoing challenges, continues to inspire and set the stage for future successes in the world of athletics.
ALSO READ: A Feat That Will Be Cherished For Generations To Come’: PM Modi’s Salute To Hockey Heroes
