Feels good that so many Indians are taking interest in Athletics: Neeraj Chopra after setting a new national record
Neeraj Chopra : Indian star athlete Neeraj Chopra added another feather to his hat after shattering his own record and setting a new national record in the very first attempt during the Stockholm Diamond League. The Olympic Gold medalist reached 89.94 meters in his first effort which earned him second place in the competition as Chopra missed the coveted 90m mark by the barest of margins.
The Gold medallist from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, bettered his previous national record of 89.30, which he achieved at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland, on 14 June. With his throw of 89.94m, Chopra also went on to break Norway’s Andreas Thorkildsen record of 89.78m recorded at the venue in 2006.
After setting another milestone and creating a new national record, Chopra in an interview has now opened up about his preparations, performance, and mindset, among other things going forward.
How do you feel about your performance today? Did you expect to start off with 89.94m?
“I feel very good, there weren’t any thoughts about breaking the 90m barrier in my first attempt. My mindset is always to play better. My first throw was good and I got very close to the 90m mark. Tried to give my 100% so feeling good about it.”
What was going through your mind when Anderson Peters throw over 90m in the third attempt? Did it push you to try to go beyond him in your remaining attempts?
“When Anderson Peters crossed over 90m, it came to my mind that I have to perform well. But, If you need to cross the 90 meters barrier, then everything needs to be in perfect sync. A lot of energy is also required in throwing a single javelin so body gets tired as well. Today, it was a good competition and overall I am happy with my performance.”
What do you think of your chances of going to Oregon? Are you feeling any pressure as a reigning Olympic Gold Medallist?
“There’s no such pressure, but I will give my all in Oregon. This is all I know and this is all I will do (Giving his best for India). I will play with a free mind and not think that I am an Olympic champion. I just train well and give my 100% in every competition. There were many people in India trying to follow your performance online and on streams.”
How does it feel to have had such an impact in a country where athletics is not traditionally followed a lot?
“I feel very good that the Indian audience is watching athletics through digital mediums. A lot of Indians were at the stadium to cheer for me at the Diamond League. The Indian ambassador also came to meet me so I felt good. Now people are trying to know about athletics and support it as well.”
