Doha Diamond League: Champion Javelin Thrower Neeraj Chopra hopes to finally end his long wait to breach the 90m mark. The 25-year old has an Olympic gold medal and the Diamond League title in his kitty. However he is yet to join the elite 90m club. A fit and strong Neeraj sounded optimistic of his chances this year at a virtual press conference on Sunday, 16th April. He is gearing up for the busy season that is set to begin with Doha Diamond League on 5th May 2023. Follow Sports News and LIVE updates on InsideSport.IN
Speaking in the press conference, Neeraj answered the 90m question by saying, “I am getting this question asked since 2018. I believe I can do this year because I was very close to the mark last season. I think the injury mid-season could be a reason why I didn’t cross the 90m mark.”
“I’m not overconfident and there’s no pressure on me to cross the 90m mark. I never took the pressure and never will. But I will be better and cross the mark this season,” he added.
Neeraj Chopra currently has a national record throw of 89.94m which was achieved during the Diamond League meet in Stockholm last year. ” I missed it by just 6 cm last time. But I am not irritated by the questions and the discussions on it. Sometimes, even 87m can give you the gold. But having said that, I am confident I will enter the 90m club this season,” said the champion athlete.
He is currently preparing for his title defence at the Diamond League. Speaking about it, he said, “Preparations going well for Doha. All our training plans so far have gone well. Good thing is I’ve been injury-free. The hope is to have a healthy season and stay away from injuries. It is going to be a long season. I will sit with coach and physio to decide which competitions to play which to skip.”
Having missed the Doha leg of the Diamond League last year, Neeraj looks forward to the challenge. He will face stiff challenge from World Champion Anderson Peters and Olympic Silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch. “Have competed in Doha before. Just want to go out and do my best. It’s good when tough competitors and world-class athletes compete. It serves as motivation and helps me push myself further.”
With the upcoming Olympics less than a year away, Neeraj is aware that a lot will be expected of him at Paris. “My first Olympics were great, but I don’t take anything for granted. There will more expectations from me at Paris 2024. What is in my hands is to give it my 100% and I will train harder than I did for Tokyo,” Neeraj said.
But before the Olympics, Neeraj has other big events like the World Championship and the Asian Games. The youngster is aiming to clinch his maiden gold at the World Championship, having won the silver last year. He will also look to defend the title at the 2023 Asian Games.
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