Neeraj Chopra, India's golden boy in javelin, has already made history, but he isn't resting on his laurels. After securing the gold medal at the World Athletics Championships 2023 in Budapest, Chopra's focus has shifted. The coveted 90-meter mark is his next target, an accolade he's eager to add to his glittering array of achievements.
"Everyone said that this was the only medal left to win. Now it's just the 90-meter mark that is left to be achieved. Today, I thought I'd go past it but the Gold medal was extremely important. There are more competitions to come and I'll give my best there as well," remarked Chopra after his miraculous performance.
Commitment to Fitness and Form
Neeraj remains dedicated to maintaining peak physical and mental condition. As the sole Indian athlete to earn multiple medals at the World Championships and the only one to secure a gold, his determination is evident.
"I was being too careful. I could feel that I wasn't at 100 per cent with my speed and I could make out when my speed was not at its best. I just have to keep myself fit and give it my best shot," he articulated.
A Heartfelt Nod to Loyal Fans
The nation's pride, Neeraj Chopra, understands the importance of those cheering him on from the sidelines. He took a moment to acknowledge the countless Indian supporters who stayed awake to watch him clinch the gold.
"I want to thank the fans who have stayed up at night to watch my event. This medal is for all of them as well," he graciously stated.
Building A Legacy: Neeraj's Remarkable Journey
At 25, Neeraj's path to the World Athletics Championships has been paved with determination and unparalleled skill. The qualifying round saw him register a remarkable 88.77m throw, guaranteeing his spot in the final and the forthcoming Paris Olympics 2024.
The champion's career boasts throws that are nothing short of spectacular, with his top three being:
- 89.94m at the Stockholm Diamond League in 2022
- 89.30m at the Paavo Nurmi Games 2022 in Finland
- 88.77m at the qualifiers of the World Athletics Championships 2023
Eclipsing National Records: A Glimpse Into Neeraj's Accomplishments
Neeraj Chopra's medal collection isn't just limited to recent wins. He catapulted into the limelight with a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a first for any Asian athlete in men's javelin throw. The following year, he bagged a historic silver at the Oregon World Championships with an 88.13m throw, marking India's second medal at the World Athletics Championships.
Consistency is Neeraj's middle name. His 89.94m throw at the Stockholm Diamond League shattered previous national records, underlining his position as one of the world's premier javelin throwers.
