Neeraj Chopra swaps javelin for ping pong paddle and paragliding adventure during scenic Switzerland getaway
Zurich
India’s Olympic javelin champion Neeraj Chopra took a break from athletics to explore Switzerland, trading his javelin for a ping pong paddle and a paragliding harness during his scenic getaway. The break comes after his eighth-place finish at the World Championships in Tokyo last month, providing the athlete a chance to recharge amidst picturesque landscapes.
Chopra kicked off his Swiss adventure in Zurich, participating in friendly table tennis matches at Josefwiese. Trying out ping pong for the first time was a fun experience! I’ve always loved a bit of friendly competition, and this was a great way to switch things up, he said, reflecting on the light-hearted energy of the park setting.
Following the matches, Neeraj explored Zurich’s cultural landmarks, including a stroll along the Viadukt, a repurposed railway line turned artsy promenade, and a visit to the Freitag tower in Zurich-West. Reaching the top of the Freitag tower and seeing Zurich-West from above was next level. The city felt vibrant, modern, and full of character. Puri city ekdum khoobsurat lag rahi thi, Chopra shared.
The Olympic medallist later traveled to the fairytale village of Mürren for paragliding. Paragliding over Mürren was surreal. Flying above chalets, valleys, and waterfalls felt like a dream. Har angle se picture-perfect! he said. He concluded the outing with a peaceful lunch at Panorama Restaurant in Allmendhubel, noting that while the food was delicious, the mountain views left a lasting impression.
Neeraj’s Swiss sojourn highlights his lighter side, offering fans a glimpse of the champion enjoying moments of fun, adventure, and relaxation away from the competitive spotlight.