On Wednesday, Neeraj Chopra spoke at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit about their journey, the road ahead, and the factors that led to their success.
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Neeraj Chopra reveals about the secret why he cheered for his rivals at Tokyo Olympics 2020. Chopra exhibited remarkable passion at the Tokyo Olympics when he egged on Germany's Johannes Vetter - his biggest rival, the overwhelming favourite going into the contest, and a thrower with numerous 90m plus throws — encouraging him to go better during the qualifying round.
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"If I sit in some corner and hope he doesn't throw well," Neeraj stated during the summit, "it won't make any difference," Chopra said. "He'll continue to throw what he needs to throw." It's far better to support one another. Vetter was encouraging me as well. My words of encouragement might not be enough.
Athletics has a strong sense of togetherness, according to Chopra. "Watch the pole vaulters; they're much more connected with one another." If Mondo Duplantis (the current world record holder and Olympic champion) clears a significant height, his opponents will rush up to hug him. Sports may be viewed in two ways: as something you like, something that brings you joy, or as something you win or lose. It's nice to be in the moment and let the winning or losing happen naturally."
On the night of August 7, during the Tokyo Olympics, Neeraj Chopra strode into the Olympic Stadium with a swagger and a smile that indicated he was made for the big stage. Although it was his first Olympics, he had already established a solid reputation. He flexed his biceps and let out a roar as he threw his javelin like a gladiator. Another wish came true as the javelin flew: Chopra had earned India's first Olympic medal in athletics, and just the second individual gold after Bindra.
During the summit, Chopra, 23, remarked, "I can't be satisfied because I earned a gold medal." "I have the benefit of time on my side." Athletes' dimag kuch ulta hota hai (sportspeople think a little differently). Yes, I've won a gold, but I'm not going to stop there. I want to win another gold, improve my distance, and set an Olympic record. I need to build up my strength, improve my technique, and go beyond 90 metres. I've been after it for a while, but I missed a year due to injury, and then another year because to Covid."
Chopra's best throw, 88.07 metres, occurred in the Asian Games this year, when he won gold and set a new national record.
Chopra felt that as a result of their accomplishments, India's athletic culture will change.
Chopra stated, "I believe things are already changing." "Yes, we don't have enough stadiums; there aren't enough stadiums or coaches in rural areas, which is where the athletes come from, but there is definitely more desire.”