On Monday (March 28), Neeraj Chopra received the prestigious Padma Shri award from President Ram Nath Kovind. Neeraj was honoured in the field of sports at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Last year, he had won the Olympic gold medal in the men's javelin throw at the Tokyo Olympics. Neeraj became only the second Indian after Abhinav Bindra (2008) to win an individual gold medal at the Olympics. In an exclusive conversation with Sports Tak, Neeraj talked about his plans regarding many important issues and his preparations.
Neeraj speaks
“It feels good and gives motivations after winning such awards. It motivates us to perform better. We can prepare for ourselves, we have to work hard to achieve our target. I do not want to take too much pressure to achieve 90m in a particular competition, it can be achieved in any competition but I will try to give my 100 per cent,” Neeraj said.
“I am trying to stay relaxed and not take much pressure. I want to train well and stay focused and produce my 100 per cent. The results should be good, whatever it is,” he further added.
Records and numbers
Neeraj ended India’s long wait for a gold medalist in the track and field event at the Tokyo Olympics. The 24-year-old won the elusive gold medal with a best throw of 87.58m. Neeraj began with a 87.03m throw in his first attempt at the Tokyo Olympics.
Earlier, in 2016, he had set a new world junior record.
Para javelin athlete, Devendra Jhajharia, India's women's hockey team star, Vandana Katariya, Tokyo Paralympics gold medalists Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil and Pramod Bhagat were also awarded with the prestigious Padma Shri Award.
Neeraj, Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil and Pramod Bhagat were also conferred with the Khel Ratna Award for 2021.
Earlier this week, Neeraj was also honoured by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) before the Indian Premier League (IPL) opener. The BCCI awarded Neeraj a cheque of Rs 1 Crore. In addition, Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain was awarded Rs 25 Lakh by the BCCI.
