As the clock ticks down to the Paris Olympics, Neeraj Chopra is transforming into his familiar, focused, and determined self as he aims to defend his title in the men’s javelin. He goes into the games as one of India’s top contenders. In an interview, Chopra addresses concerns about his adductor muscle injury that has sidelined him for much of the season, the pressure of being the reigning champion, his mental approach to the throws, and the need for a balanced combination of awareness and energy.
He shares details about his training in Gloria, Turkey, where he has a unique view of the athletics track and throwing area right outside his window. He talks about adjusting to the heat and changing his hairstyle to manage it better. Despite the injury concerns, Chopra maintains that he is on track for the Olympics and confident about his performance. He expects a full stadium in Paris, unlike the empty stands at the Tokyo Olympics due to COVID-19, and is excited to perform in front of a large crowd. He also shares his love for Indian food and how he is adjusting to different cuisines while training abroad.
Chopra opens up about the pressure of defending his Olympic title, acknowledging the extra expectations and the mental challenges that come with it. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a fresh mindset and approaching each competition as his first. He talks about the importance of focus and mental strength, highlighting how his mindset can push him to perform even when he feels physically exhausted.
The javelin champion reveals his physical transformation in the run-up to the Olympics, noting how he has become leaner and more focused on his diet and recovery. He discusses the importance of maintaining his ideal weight for speed and agility, and how he has incorporated strength training into his routine to improve his performance. He acknowledges the impact of his Tokyo Olympic win on his confidence and the changes he has made in his training and approach since then.
Chopra shares his thoughts on his rivalry with German javelin thrower, Johannes Vetter, and how their competitive spirit fuels their performance. He details his mental game, the internal conversations he has with himself before and during competitions, and his unwavering belief in his abilities. He emphasizes the need for both technique and passion to succeed in javelin, highlighting how he uses a combination of mental focus and physical strength to achieve his best throws.
He discusses the importance of not taking the qualification round lightly, having learned from a previous experience where he underestimated the stage. He talks about his dream of throwing javelin and how it often reflects his real-life training.
Chopra concludes by emphasizing the importance of respecting the sport, not taking anything for granted, and pursuing what he loves. He addresses the differences in popularity between cricket and javelin in India and believes that the way forward is to work hard to make the sport more popular, by creating more opportunities for competition and engaging the general public. He stresses that he does not want any shortcuts to success and wants to see the sport grow organically through dedication and effort.
