I don’t go into a competition thinking of the gold or records, reveals Neeraj Chopra

09/23/2018

Javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, who bagged gold medals at this year’s Gold Coast CWG and the Asian Games, has claimed that he doesn't enter a competition aiming to win or break records. Chopra has developed into India’s leading medal contender at major international competitions in the past months.

Five major gold medals at the age of 20 is no mean feat to achieve in any track or field event, but Indian javelin thrower - Neeraj Chopra definitely has bigger plans. The young athlete definitely has the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games on the back of his mind but is living in the present at the moment taking each day as it comes.

But a more immediate goal will be the 2019 World Championships in Doha and a gold medal there would be the icing on the cake for the youngster which would provide him with all the motivation needed to go all the way in Tokyo. However, the Haryana-born athlete insisted that medals and records are not something that he thought about when he participated in any competition.

“I don’t go into a competition thinking of the gold or the record. I want to be close to my current best. I know that if I did that currently, I’d be capable of throwing a 89 or a 91. There’s no pressure to achieve 90. I’m not thinking of it right now. If it arrives, that would be a bonus but it isn’t a necessity,” Neeraj said in an interview with Scroll.

The 90-metre target is something that the youngster will eventually want to hit, but it is not a necessity at the moment added Chopra. The Asian Games medalist has his eyes set on beating those who have managed the magic mark this season and also spoke highly about their technique.

“All of those guys – Vetter, Rohler, Kirt, Vadlejch have good technique. In the end, they say whoever throws longest has a good throw. Look at Rohler; they say don’t bend the arm while throwing but he does so,” he added.

Chopra and coach Uwe Hohn are training to better the youngster’s technique as they spend the next few months at the National Institute of Sport in Patiala. Chopra, who was an unknown figure a year ago, has found it hard to deal with his newfound fame after his recent international exploits on the big stage.

“I miss those days – training without a care in the world,” he said. “Now, I have to think of every single step. Training for the Asian, Commonwealth competitions, or if I have a program that I have to attend, I have to keep track of all those things.

“It wasn’t like this last year or when I won the World junior Championships. Now, people recognise me after the Asian and the Commonwealth gold medals. I also have had to improve my public-speaking skills with time,” he added.

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Neeraj Chopra

I don’t go into a competition thinking of the gold or records, reveals Neeraj Chopra

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