Neeraj Chopra, India’s legendary javelin thrower, has shed light on his performance at the Paris Olympics, where he secured a silver medal. While he was initially confident in his ability to surpass Pakistan’s gold medalist Arshad Nadeem’s record-breaking throw, Chopra admitted that his physical condition wasn’t at its peak, ultimately impacting his performance. Despite the disappointment, Chopra remains committed to his sport and has confirmed his participation in the Lausanne Diamond League, scheduled for later this month.
Chopra’s silver medal achievement in Paris came after an impressive qualifying round where he registered a season-best throw of 89.34 meters. During the final, he managed to improve his throw to 89.45 meters, but it fell short of Nadeem’s incredible 92.97 meters, which set a new Olympic record and secured a historic victory for Pakistan.
In a video interaction with the media, Chopra acknowledged Nadeem’s exceptional talent and the intense competition they’ve shared over time. He expressed his belief that they would have a close contest in the final. After Nadeem’s record-setting throw, Chopra felt the pressure mount, but he remained optimistic and determined to break the record himself. However, despite nearly achieving a throw close to 90 meters, his body wasn’t able to fully support his ambition.
Chopra’s quest for gold in Paris began with a foul on his first attempt, mirroring Nadeem’s initial struggle. Throughout the competition, he faced difficulties finding his rhythm, with only one legal throw out of six attempts. Nevertheless, Chopra’s silver medal cemented his place in history, making him the third Indian athlete to achieve back-to-back Olympic medals. He joined the distinguished company of wrestler Sushil Kumar, who won a bronze and silver in the 2008 and 2012 Games, and badminton champion PV Sindhu, who secured silver in 2016 and bronze in 2020.
Reflecting on his performance, Chopra acknowledged the demanding nature of the Olympics, particularly when defending a previous medal. Despite falling short of his gold medal aspirations, Chopra remains positive and focused on the future. He recognizes the need for recovery and improvement, aiming to address the physical limitations that hampered him in Paris.
In response to inquiries about his upcoming events, Chopra confirmed his participation in the Lausanne Diamond League, commencing on August 22. This announcement signifies his determination to return to competition and continue his pursuit of sporting excellence.
