Neeraj Chopra, the accomplished Indian javelin thrower and Olympic gold medalist, has expressed his aspiration to breach the 90-metre mark in his upcoming performance at the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
The competition commenced on August 19 and is set to conclude on August 27.
Neeraj's participation includes the men's javelin throw qualification on August 25 and potentially the final on August 27.
He achieved a silver medal at the World Championships last year, ending India's 19-year wait for a medal in the men's javelin event. As he approaches this year's competition, Neeraj spoke about his ambition during an exclusive interview with JioCinema, stating, "Definitely, I am close. I just need one perfect day with favourable weather conditions and I am confident I will be able to achieve the throw."
Regarding the pressure and expectations that accompany major competitions, Neeraj emphasised his familiarity with managing these factors. While acknowledging the weight of responsibility during events like the World Championships and Olympics, he noted that over time, he has grown accustomed to these pressures and has learned to perform with unwavering focus and dedication.
When discussing the challenges of competing against global elites, Neeraj highlighted the unpredictability of such events. He also refrained from setting specific distance or medal targets for the championships, focusing instead on mental preparedness and delivering his best performance.
The top athlete also addressed his role as an inspiration to fellow athletes and the country's aspiring talents. He acknowledged the emergence of new talents in Indian athletics and expressed confidence that India's performance in international events like the Olympics and World Championships will only improve in the coming years.
Reflecting on his inspirations, Neeraj mentioned watching videos of world record holder Jan Zelezny in his formative years. He stressed the importance of self-motivation in individual sports and the significance of waking up every day to work toward one's set goals.
Neeraj detailed his mental training routine, including visualisation, and how it helps him create a mental picture of competition. He also mentioned his preference for extensive international competitions, which help him become accustomed to high-pressure situations.
As he looks ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympics, Neeraj plans to take a step-by-step approach, with his immediate focus on this year's competitions. He highlighted the potential for improved performances in Budapest's favourable weather conditions but emphasised the need to prepare for unexpected challenges.
Regarding the 75th anniversary of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), Neeraj extended congratulations and acknowledged the support athletes receive from the AFI and the Sports Authority of India (SAI). He also envisioned the possibility of hosting international competitions in India to provide fans with the opportunity to witness foreign athletes competing on home soil.