New Delhi: As Neeraj Chopra, the reigning World and Tokyo Olympics javelin champion, prepares to defend his title in Paris 2024, he acknowledges that handling pressure will be inevitable. Currently on a short break after training in South Africa, Chopra expressed his thoughts to SAI media, emphasizing the distinction between training and competition.
“Managing pressure will be inevitable once you enter the Games Village and start focusing on your event,” Chopra stated. The 26-year-old athlete, who faced challenges in the lead-up to Tokyo 2020 due to injuries, is now in “top physical shape” and asserts that he has “never felt so good before.”
Chopra, who will commence training in Turkey this week before returning to outdoor competition for the first time in 2024, emphasizes the importance of being in peak condition before Paris. He highlighted the significance of fitness, strength, and technique in his training sessions and expressed satisfaction with his current form.
Reflecting on the years since Tokyo 2020, Chopra noted the differences and considered his performance as an indication that his preparation for global tournaments is on track. He boasts achievements such as winning medals in two world championships, achieving a personal best of 89.94 meters at Stockholm, securing a Diamond League title, and defending his gold at the Asian Games.
While Chopra believes he is currently in a great space, he expresses the sentiment that his “best is yet to come.” Recalling his peak during the 2016 world junior championship, he acknowledges the continuous room for improvement and emphasizes the need to stay 100% fit, maintain consistency, and deliver on the crucial competition days.
Addressing the elusive 90-meter mark, Chopra downplays the importance of the specific distance, stating, “What matters to me is staying 100% fit, being consistent during the season, and delivering on the day that matters.” He remains focused on continuous improvement, acknowledging the increasing competition and the need to evolve in the face of challenges.
Chopra remains unfazed by the recent 90.20 meters effort by German youngster Max Dehning at a winter meet, viewing it as an indicator of the stiff competition rather than added pressure. As he gears up for Paris 2024, Neeraj Chopra’s commitment to excellence and resilience in the face of challenges positions him as a formidable contender in the world of javelin throwing.
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