Paris Olympics: Neeraj Chopra not happy despite storming into javelin final with 89.34m throw, says 'I haven't reached my peak...'

SportsTak Desk

UPDATED:Aug 06, 2024 19:11 IST

India's superstar javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra in this frame. (Screengrab-X)

Highlights:

Neeraj Chopra cruised into javelin final at the Paris Olympics.

Neeraj Chopra topped the qualifying round with a stunning throw of 89.34m.

Neeraj Chopra, despite a dominant performance in the javelin qualifying round at Paris Olympics 2024, where he secured his place in the final with a top throw of 89.34 metres, the Tokyo Games gold medallist remains focused on improvement.

Neeraj Chopra Eyes Further Improvement

The reigning Olympic and world champion Neeraj expressed his belief that his peak performance is yet to come, fueling his motivation for the upcoming final. Chopra is optimistic about a strong showing in the final, scheduled for Thursday, August 8.

ALSO READ: Reigning champion Neeraj Chopra qualifies for final with second-best throw of his career

Neeraj Chopra wants more

“It was a good throw. Maybe the biggest ever in qualifying for me. All the throwers look in good shape. The final will be a really good competition for sure,” Chopra said according to Olympics.com after cruising into the final in mere one attempt.

“My biggest motivation is that I always go out to do my best because I know I have not reached my peak. I am not yet as good as I would like to be technically or in distance, so I want to improve and throw further,” Chopra added.

Chopra Aims to Inspire Indian Athletes

Through his exceptional achievements on the global stage, including the Olympics, Neeraj Chopra aspires to inspire and motivate other Indian athletes to excel in their respective fields.

“And I want to set an example for other Indian athletes so that we can compete here with the best countries in athletics,” Chopra further added.

ALSO READ: Paris Olympics: Vinesh Phogat storms into quarterfinal, stuns Tokyo Olympics gold-medallist Susaki Yui in last 15 seconds

Chopra's Historic Achievements

Neeraj Chopra etched his name in Indian sporting history by clinching the gold medal in the men's javelin event at the Tokyo Olympics. This remarkable feat made him only the second Indian to win an individual Olympic gold, following shooter Abhinav Bindra, and the first to achieve this honor in athletics.

The 26-year-old Haryana-born athlete has consistently excelled on the global stage, securing a silver medal at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene and a gold medal at the 2023 edition in Budapest.

As Chopra prepares for the final on Thursday, he has the opportunity to create history once again. A gold medal victory would make him the first Indian athlete to win consecutive Olympic gold medals and the second sport, after hockey, to achieve back-to-back Olympic golds for India.