Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra focused despite lack of international competitions ahead of Tokyo Olympics

 

Indian ace javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra is remaining focused as he wants to do well at his maiden Olympics in Tokyo. He knows it will be tougher than any other Olympics especially due to the pandemic affecting a lot of factors.  The lack of international competitions is hindering the progress of the Indian but he is still trying to keep a positive frame of mind.

“I have the maximum focus and am training hard amid the uncertain times,” Neeraj Chopra said in a media conference facilitated by the Sports Authority of India. If I am training well, I can automatically stay positive and motivate myself. I also focus on my recovery and diet,” he said.

“Of course, news of COVID-19 spread in our country affects the mind but I’ve stopped watching and reading news now. I’m placing sharp focus on preparing for the Olympics,” added the javelin thrower.

Things have been very difficult for the javelin thrower ever since the travel ban was imposed by foriegn countries on Indian flights. Hence Neeraj is not able to compete in international competitions. “I need an international competition before my first Olympics. The confidence level needs to be 100 percent,” Neeraj Chopra said. “I am training well in Patiala but an international meet is always an added advantage. I have spoken with my team and have zeroed in on Sweden or Finland as our training base. The competitive levels there is better.”

The national record holder is not taking things lightly at all as he knows that he will face a lot of tough challenges in the upcoming Summer Games. He trusts his training and believes that it has enhanced his abilities as a javelin thrower and hopefully that will be detrimental at the Tokyo Olympics.

“The current group of Javelin Throwers in the world is the best. Each of them are throwing above 87 or 88m. I feel my consistency is fine so far. I’ve been throwing above 85m. I feel my training has brought me closer to throwing 90m. My preparations are getting better to get close to the 90m mark but of course, it will depend on what happens on the D-Day in Tokyo,” he said.

The 23-year-old track and field athlete is delighted with the love and support that he has received from the fans. However, he does not want to put any extra burden on him and wants to keep no stone unturned in the preparation for the big stage. “I feel happy that people have high expectations from me. But I shouldn’t take this as pressure and not think of anything that affects my mind. I don’t know if I will win a medal but I will keep no stone unturned in my effort. My body goes automatically in a different zone during the competition. I get that strength to give my best performance,” Neeraj Chopra concluded.