Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra recently visited Lucknow for a special event, where he inaugurated a showroom for the Under Armour brand. Reflecting on his past experiences, Neeraj mentioned that he has fond memories of the city. In 2012, he won his first Junior National gold medal in Lucknow, which was a significant achievement for him in the Under-16 category.
“I love visiting Lucknow. The people here are very welcoming, and I always enjoy my time. After the Tokyo Olympics, I had the chance to visit again, and now, being here brings back so many good memories,” Neeraj shared with excitement.
Neeraj also didn’t miss the chance to savor the local cuisine, trying some of Lucknow’s famous dishes like spinach patta chaat and ghevar. He jokingly mentioned how the local twist on these dishes added a new flavor to his visit. “I even went to Sharma Ji’s chaat shop. Their way of making tea is different, but I loved it!” he added with a smile.
Balancing Diet, Training, and Relaxation After Surgery
While speaking to Dainik Bhaskar, Neeraj mentioned his current fitness routine, explaining how his training has slowed down due to a recent surgery. “I’m doing light training for the next one and a half months, focusing more on diet right now. My doctor has advised me to focus on recovery, and I’ll begin intense training next year for the World Championship,” Neeraj said.
He also mentioned how important it is for athletes to balance diet and exercise. “I just ate chaat, but now I’ll run and exercise for 30-40 minutes,” he joked, emphasizing the need to stay in shape even during the off-season. Despite enjoying the delicacies of Lucknow, Neeraj remains committed to his training and maintaining peak fitness levels.
The 90-Meter Javelin Throw: A Magic Target
Neeraj has consistently been closing in on the 90-meter mark in javelin throws. He shared his thoughts on this target, saying, “Since 2018, I’ve come very close to the 90-meter throw many times. In every competition, I’ve been reaching near it, and it’s a magic number for javelin throwers. But consistency is more important to me. I’d rather throw 88-89 meters regularly than aim for a 90-meter throw without stability.”
Neeraj also expressed his hope that he would achieve this magical throw when he is 100% injury-free. “Sometimes, I miss it by just a few centimeters. It will happen when everything aligns, and I’m fully healthy.”
Preparing for Paris Olympics 2024
When asked about his plans for the Paris Olympics, Neeraj revealed his focus on staying injury-free. “During my preparation for the Olympics, the thought of avoiding injuries was constantly on my mind. There’s a slight lack of confidence in that area, but I’m working on it. I believe I threw better in Paris than in Tokyo,” he said.
The javelin thrower remains optimistic about improving his performance in Paris, with his sights set on bringing home another medal for India.
Remembering Bajrangbali and Mahadev Before the Match
Neeraj shared his pre-match ritual, where he draws inspiration from Bajrangbali and Mahadev. “Before every match, I remember Bajrangbali and Mahadev. They are the gods most athletes look up to,” he said.
Aside from javelin, Neeraj enjoys other sports as well. “I like volleyball, and in athletics, I admire discus throw. I also respect javelin thrower John Zelezny a lot and hope to bring him to Lucknow one day,” he mentioned with enthusiasm.
Sports Culture in India: A Growing Trend
Neeraj also touched upon the rising competitiveness in Indian sports. “Earlier, in national competitions, gold medals were won with throws of 75 meters, but now nothing happens below 80 meters. It’s the same in Germany and other countries. Top Indian athletes are performing well, and the mentality has changed. People around us play a significant role in how sports develop, and those who are doing well should be appreciated.”
Neeraj emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment for athletes to thrive. “To see more players emerge, it’s essential to provide them with the right training and a good atmosphere.”
Looking Forward: India’s Bid for the 2036 Olympics
Neeraj also shared his thoughts on India hosting the 2036 Olympics, a dream that the country is working towards. “We should start preparing now for the 2036 Olympics. Private companies should form sports clubs and invest in infrastructure. We need to work on many fronts to make this dream a reality,” he said, urging for collective efforts in building a strong sports culture.
Neeraj’s visit to Lucknow not only highlighted his connection with the city but also gave insight into his mindset as he continues to work towards achieving greater heights in athletics. With his focus on consistency, recovery, and staying injury-free, fans are eagerly awaiting his next big achievement—perhaps even that magical 90-meter throw!
