India’s javelin throw star, Neeraj Chopra, is no stranger to the spotlight. As he prepares to defend his gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, the weight of expectations rests squarely on his shoulders.
In the previous edition of the global sporting event (Tokyo 2020), Neeraj scripted history with a massive throw of 87.58 meters, clinching the gold medal. Now, he faces the challenge of defending that title in Paris.
This time around, the Olympics will be different for Neeraj. As a defending champion, he knows there will be extra expectations from him. The pressure is inevitable, and he acknowledges it. He draws parallels to his experience defending his title at the 2018 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Neeraj Chopra reflects on defending his title at the Olympics
Neeraj emphasizes the need to manage pressure. The Olympics, unlike any other competition, brings immense scrutiny and anticipation. The eyes of the nation will be on him, hoping for a repeat of his Tokyo heroics.
“This time, it’s different because I’ll be defending my title. I got a little experience of what that’s like at last year’s Asian Games [Hangzhou], where I had to defend my title from 2018. However, I can’t compare that to the Olympics. The fact is that there will be extra expectations from me. It will be more than it was last time. It’s impossible to call it anything other than pressure,” Chopra said.
Neeraj looks forward to performing in front of a full crowd in Paris. Unlike Tokyo, where empty stands prevailed due to COVID-19 restrictions, the galleries will reverberate with energy and support. For an athlete, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of competing before a passionate audience.
“I hope everyone follows the Olympics this time. Hopefully, this time too, we’ll be able to achieve something great. All our athletes have a lot of energy and belief this year. I also think a lot of people will come from India to Paris to watch the Olympic Games. Also, unlike Tokyo, where the stands were empty (due to COVID-19), the galleries will be full this time, and there will be a lot of people present. I find it very thrilling to perform in front of a big crowd,” he added.
Indian sports fans will keep Neeraj Chopra’s adductor muscle in their prayers.
One hopes that the troublesome muscle stays intact until the evening of August 8. By then, Neeraj will be done with men’s javelin competition at #ParisOlympics and, hopefully, will be wearing a… pic.twitter.com/OFUiO6BLIr
— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) July 20, 2024
Neeraj recently pulled out of the Ostrava Golden Spike 2024 as a precautionary measure. His focus remains on staying 100% fit and delivering when it matters most.
As Neeraj Chopra steps onto the field in Paris, the hopes of a nation go with him. Let us rally behind our champion, cheering him on as he aims for Olympic glory once again.
Also Read: Indian Archery and Rowing Teams Lead the Way at Paris Olympics 2024
