Mumbai
Having achieved a distance of 89.94 meters in Stockholm on June 30, 2022, India’s Olympic gold medalist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has been on the cusp of crossing the significant 90-meter mark in his throws. Chopra, who has an impressive track record as the winner of the Tokyo Olympic Games, the Diamond League Final, the Commonwealth Games gold medal, and the World Championship silver medal, has been fielding questions about when he will breach the 90-meter mark in international competitions. As the 2023 Athletics World Championship in Budapest, Hungary approaches, the question of whether Chopra will finally cross the 90-meter barrier has resurfaced. In an exclusive interview with JioCinema, Chopra expressed his confidence in achieving the feat, emphasizing that he only needs the perfect conditions and a day with favorable weather to make the throw. Chopra revealed that he isn’t setting specific targets for the World Championships in Budapest and shared insights into his priorities, ranging from his preparations for the Olympics to his favorite dish made with ghee. The athlete from Haryana, who acknowledged the skill of Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem as a fellow thrower, stated that he’s accustomed to handling pressure and feels a sense of responsibility during major competitions that occur every few years. He highlighted his commitment to giving his all and staying focused during these critical events. Returning from an injury that caused him to miss significant events and preparation opportunities, Chopra emphasized that his main goal in Budapest is to perform without fear of injury. Reflecting on his journey, he noted that he has overcome challenges and is satisfied with his recent performance and training. While he doesn’t carry a specific throwing distance or medal target in his mind, he emphasized the importance of mental preparation and a fearless approach to competition.
