Navdeep Singh from Haryana created history at the Paris Paralympics by winning the gold medal in the F41 javelin throw category. With a remarkable throw of 47.32 meters, he not only claimed victory but also won the hearts of many with his aggressive celebration, reminiscent of Virat Kohli. This led to fans dubbing him “Virat 2.0” due to the striking similarity in his fierce expression. However, in a recent interview, Navdeep revealed that while fans compare him to Kohli, his actual inspiration comes from another cricketer — Rohit Sharma.
Rohit Sharma: The Favorite of Navdeep Singh
Navdeep Singh’s victory brought him into the spotlight, and in interviews and podcasts, he was frequently asked about his cricketing idols. Recently, in a podcast, he was asked whether he preferred Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni. Surprisingly, Navdeep revealed that his favorite cricketer is neither Kohli nor Dhoni but Rohit Sharma. The javelin champion shared that his admiration for Rohit started after watching him score a double century in an ODI match. Those innings left a lasting impact on Navdeep, and since then, he has been a huge fan of Rohit Sharma’s batting style and calm behavior.
He also humorously commented on the trend of calling Dhoni “Thala,” saying that every player has their following, but for him, Rohit Sharma’s double century was the defining moment. This unexpected revelation from Navdeep has gained attention, especially considering how fans had linked his attitude to Kohli’s aggressive style.
Navdeep’s Journey: From Childhood Struggles to Paralympic Glory
Navdeep Singh’s journey to becoming a Paralympic gold medalist wasn’t easy. Standing at 4 feet 4 inches tall, Navdeep faced bullying and taunts for his short height during his childhood. According to his brother, kids in their neighborhood would tease Navdeep for his height, often leading him to lock himself in his room, avoiding social interactions for days.
However, everything changed in 2012 when Navdeep was awarded the National Child Award, a recognition that marked the beginning of his transformative journey. His parents had realized early on that Navdeep had dwarfism but couldn’t find any effective treatment. Despite the societal challenges, Navdeep’s father encouraged him to participate in sports, hoping that physical activities would boost his confidence.
Inspiration from Neeraj Chopra
Navdeep’s entry into Javelin throw was inspired by India’s Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra. Although Navdeep initially trained in wrestling like his father, he soon shifted his focus to javelin throw after watching Neeraj’s performances. His determination and relentless practice paid off, as he won seven medals throughout his athletic career, with the Paralympic gold being the most significant one.
On September 7, 2024, Navdeep secured his historic gold medal in the F41 category of javelin throw, and his victory has since become a proud moment for India. His celebration, full of passion and joy, has left a lasting impression on fans, and he continues to be an inspiration for aspiring athletes, especially those overcoming physical challenges.
Navdeep Singh’s Journey Inspires Many
Navdeep Singh’s story is one of resilience and triumph over adversity. From being teased for his height to standing on the world stage as a gold medalist, his journey is a reminder that determination and hard work can overcome any obstacle. His admiration for Rohit Sharma, along with his inspiration from Neeraj Chopra, shows how athletes can draw motivation from different role models and shape their unique paths.
