Neeraj Chopra, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion, secured a silver medal in the men’s javelin throw at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite achieving the second-best throw of his career with an 89.45m attempt, Chopra had to settle for second place behind Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who set a new Olympic record with a throw of 92.97m.
Chopra’s medal-winning throw came on his second attempt, but it was his only valid throw out of six attempts in the final. His other attempts were fouled, reflecting the challenges he faced during the competition.
Neeraj Chopra’s Reflections
After the event, Chopra expressed his dissatisfaction with his performance. “It was a good throw, but I’m not that happy with my performance today,” he said. He pointed out issues with his technique and runway, which affected his ability to deliver consistent throws. “In javelin, if your run is not so good, you can’t throw very far,” he added.
Chopra acknowledged the impact of injuries on his preparations, stating that the past two or three years had been challenging due to recurring injuries. “I’m always injured. I really tried hard, but I have to work on my injury (staying injury-free) and technique,” said the 26-year-old athlete.
Injury Challenges
Neeraj Chopra has faced ongoing issues with his adductor muscles, which have hampered his training and competition schedule. This injury forced him to withdraw from events like the Ostrava Golden Spike and limited his ability to practice throws in training sessions.
He plans to consult with doctors about his adductor issues once the Paris 2024 Olympics conclude, aiming to address this hindrance and improve his performance in the future.
Sportsmanship and Future Goals
Despite his disappointment, Chopra extended congratulations to his competitor and friend, Arshad Nadeem, for his outstanding performance. “Today’s competition was really great. Arshad Nadeem threw really well. Congratulations to him and his country,” Chopra remarked.
Nadeem’s gold medal was a historic achievement, marking the first individual Olympic gold for a Pakistani athlete and the country’s first Olympic medal since 1992.
Looking Ahead
Neeraj Chopra remains committed to overcoming his challenges and improving his fitness and technique. He expressed determination to work hard and focus on staying injury-free as he prepares for future competitions. Chopra’s resilience and sportsmanship continue to inspire fans and athletes worldwide.
