Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic and world champion javelin thrower, is set to compete in India for the first time in three years. This marks a significant moment in Indian athletics as Chopra has been a beacon of inspiration for many aspiring athletes in the country.
Chopra’s journey since his historic gold medal win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has won a Diamond League title, defended his gold at the Asian Games, and even became the world champion in 2023. Despite these remarkable achievements, Chopra has not competed on home soil since the 2021 Federation Cup.
Neeraj Chopra will play in front of home crowd
The 26-year-old superstar is expected to travel to India from Doha after opening his season in the first leg of the prestigious Diamond League series on May 10. His participation in the National Federation Cup, scheduled to take place from May 12 to 15 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, will mark his first domestic competition in three years.
This homecoming is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it provides an opportunity for Indian fans to witness their champion in action on home soil. Secondly, it serves as a platform for Chopra to gauge his performance and fitness levels ahead of the Paris Olympics, which will take place from July 26 to August 11.
Chopra’s journey has not been without challenges. He is yet to touch the elusive 90m mark, with his personal best and national record standing at 89.94m. Despite this, Chopra maintains a positive outlook, emphasizing that distance doesn’t matter to him. What matters is staying 100 per cent fit, being consistent during the season, and delivering on the day that matters.
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