As the countdown to the Paris Olympics continues, India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is preparing to defend his title with a mix of awareness and energy, or “hosh and josh” as he describes it. Neeraj Chopra, one of India’s top contenders, is determined to maintain his focus and strength despite the challenges of a competitive season and an adductor muscle concern that kept him from participating in several events.
In an exclusive interview with Sportstar, Neeraj Chopra shared insights into his preparation, mindset, and the significance of the Paris Olympics. Neeraj Chopra, who recently got a new short haircut to cope with the heat at his training base in Gloria, Turkey, is excited about his training environment, which offers an inspiring view of the athletics track and throwing area.
Reflecting on his journey, Neeraj Chopra addressed the speculation about his adductor muscle injury, explaining that his absence from certain Diamond League competitions was a strategic decision to avoid unnecessary risks. “I believe the previous discussion about throwing 90m was much better. I don’t even want to think about getting an injury,” he said.
Looking forward to the Paris Olympics, Neeraj Chopra expressed hope that the Indian contingent would achieve great success, emphasizing the importance of competing in front of a full audience, unlike the empty stands in Tokyo due to COVID-19 restrictions. He also shared his excitement about the support from Indian fans who will travel to Paris.
Neeraj Chopra’s approach to diet and music has evolved since his early days. While he enjoys Indian food, he now prefers simpler meals before training to avoid the heaviness of masala-filled dishes. On the music front, he still listens to his favorite Ragini songs but has started to appreciate English songs more, understanding their lyrics better than before.
As the defending champion, Neeraj Chopra acknowledges the increased expectations and pressure. However, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining a fresh mindset and treating each competition as his first. “I always remind myself not to think about the fact that I am an Olympic champion. Every time I compete, I approach it as if it were my first time,” he noted.
Neeraj Chopra’s journey has been marked by a balance of strength training and maintaining his speed and flexibility. He has incorporated new strength routines without compromising his agility, inspired by advice from fellow athletes like German shot putter David Storl. Despite dealing with groin issues, Neeraj Chopra remains confident and focused on delivering his best performance.
Neeraj Chopra’s competitive spirit was evident at the Asian Games, where he had to push himself to secure victory. He believes that a combination of technical focus and passion is essential for success in javelin. “Javelin is a sport where you need both hosh and josh. If you are thinking only technically, you won’t give all your strength, and if you are only using muscle, you are not going to throw very far either,” he explained.
As the Olympics approach, Neeraj Chopra is mindful of his training intensity, adjusting it based on his energy levels and avoiding the risk of injury. He dreams of competing and excelling at the event, a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport.
Neeraj Chopra’s humility and respect for other sports, including cricket, highlight his grounded perspective. He believes in earning popularity through hard work and hopes for more javelin-based competitions in India to boost the sport’s profile.
As Neeraj Chopra gears up for the Paris Olympics, his blend of hosh and josh, along with his unwavering commitment, promises to make India proud once again.
