Athletics Federation of India (AFI) chief Adille Sumariwalla has praised javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra for his remarkable consistency, which has led to significant successes on the global stage. As Neeraj Chopra prepares to defend his title at the Paris Olympics starting July 26, Sumariwalla highlighted the athlete’s exceptional track record and current form.
Neeraj Chopra, who made history by becoming India’s first track and field gold medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, has continued to elevate his performance. Since his historic win in 2021, Neeraj Chopra has maintained a high level of performance, consistently clinching medals at international tournaments.
Sumariwalla, speaking at a promotional event, commended Neeraj Chopra’s ability to stay focused and perform at his best without being distracted by past achievements or future pressures. “Neeraj is the person who lives in the moment. Other people think about past, future but Neeraj lives in the present. That is why he is so successful,” Sumariwalla stated. “He knows ‘I have to do this much’. Whenever you ask him to throw, he will always do 88-89 metres; that is his consistency. His consistency has got him all the victories.”
Neeraj Chopra’s best throw to date is 89.94 meters, achieved at the 2022 Stockholm Diamond League. Despite not yet surpassing the 90-meter mark, Sumariwalla noted that Neeraj Chopra’s consistent performances have been sufficient to secure victories. “Last Olympics, three people had 90m-plus throws, Neeraj won in 88m (87.58),” he pointed out. “Before the World Championships (2023 Budapest), there were three people who threw 90-plus, Neeraj won in 89 (88.17m). Before the Asian Games in Hangzhou, there was one guy who was throwing over 90, Neeraj won gold.”
Neeraj Chopra has had a strong year thus far, winning the gold medal in the Federation Cup with a throw of 82.27 meters and finishing second at the Doha Diamond League with a best attempt of 88.36 meters in May. As he looks towards the Paris Olympics, his consistent form and focus continue to make him a formidable competitor on the global stage.
