Javelin star Neeraj Chopra resumes training for Diamond League
India's javelin star Neeraj Chopra has resumed his training in Magglingen, Switzerland, after winning the historic silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Chopra is now focusing on the upcoming three Diamond League events, which includes the finals in Brussels. His decision to continue training was influenced by his experience following his previous Olympic win, when he gained significant weight during a nationwide tour.
Chopra's training and injury management
Chopra is currently training under the guidance of coach Klaus Bartonietz and physio Ishaan Marwaha. He expressed gratitude toward Marwaha for his support since 2017, through surgery, rehab, recovery, and injury management. Chopra also revealed that a groin injury he sustained in Paris was carefully managed to prevent further damage. This has allowed him to consider participating in Lausanne on August 22.
Any word on his surgery?
Chopra recommended surgery for his injury last year. However, a final call on surgery or other medical interventions will be made after consulting with doctors once the season ends in a month. Despite the nation's celebration of his consecutive Olympic medals, Chopra admitted to feeling a sense of disappointment at not securing gold this time. However, he emphasized that every win should be accepted gracefully as conditions and circumstances vary greatly in each competition.
Reflections on performance and future goals
Chopra acknowledged that his personal life has garnered significant attention, but he remains focused on his training. Reflecting on his performance in Paris, he admitted that there were areas for improvement. Specifically, he mentioned his leg-work on the runway and the line of throw require improvement. Despite these challenges, Chopra remains optimistic about future competitions and is committed to improving his fitness and throwing distance.
Chopra missed PM Modi's felicitation ceremony
Chopra opted to forego the Independence Day celebrations and the felicitation ceremony for Indian Olympians hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this week. Chopra straightaway relocated to Lausanne, Switzerland, after taking part at the Paris Games.
Second Olympic medal for Chopra
India's javlin star Neeraj Chopra entered the 2024 Paris Olympics on the back of his Tokyo Games gold-medal win. However, Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem spoiled his party with a monster throw of 92.97m, which is now an Olympic record. Chopra's throw of 89.45m on his second attempt handed him the silver medal. Nevertheless, Chopra scripted history by winning a second individual Olympic medal in athletics.
Chopra's best-ever throw came at 2022 Diamond League
As per Olympics.com, Chopra's best throw reads 89.94m. This was accomplished at the Stockholm Diamond League in Sweden on June 30, 2022. The throw continues to stand as the men's national record in India.
