Neeraj Chopra: 'Want to beat my personal best, and end the 90m question'

Neeraj Chopra Asian Games: Neeraj Chopra Press Conference: India’s Golden boy Neeraj Chopra has set sights on a big year s he continues preparations for an action-packed year. India’s javelin ace will participate in the World Championships and the Asian Games, hopeful of yet another podium finish. The 25-year-old is working his way towards fitness, with four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson also a fan of his work. Follow all sports news and updates LIVE on Insidesport.IN

Also Read: YearEnder 2022 Indian Sports: India’s historic Thomas Cup Triumph to Neeraj Chopra’s Silver Lining at World Championships, Relive India’s top sporting moments

Neeraj Chopra honoured by Michael Johnson’s appreciation, targets World Championship, Asian Games Glory in 2023 as chase of 90m mark continues, says, ‘I was 6 cm short, will cross it soon’ – Check out

Speaking in a press conference, Neeraj Chopra was at his jubilant best interacting with the media. The Tokyo Olympics gold medallist spoke at length regarding his fitness, upcoming plans for 2023 and dealing with pressure. The 25-year-old couldn’t hide his delight at being praised by Michael Johnson and hopes to show him his sprint someday.

Excerpts:

Focus on World Championships, Asian Games

The biggest events this year are the World Championships and the Asian Games. The Asian Games are late in October so the season will begin late to be at my best for the same. Right now, I have begun preparations for the upcoming season slowly but steadily. The focus is on endurance and fitness, with long-distance running, rehab exercises, jumps, medicine ball throw and gymnastics. We don’t know what the COVID-19 situation in China is, but will keep the Asian Games in mind and probably start the season in June.

On Michael Johnson’s appreciation of his athleticism

“We do sprints and sometimes hurdles during warm-ups. It is a great feeling when a person like Michael Johnson appreciates you. We javelin throwers have to run a lot and when Johnson credits your work, there is a positive vibe. My former coach, Garry Calvert, used to say, ‘We are athletes first before being javelin throwers.’ So we try to perfect every aspect of out and it is great to receive praise from professionals. Someday, I will meet him and maybe I can show him my sprint.”

Some more amazing athleticism from from @Neeraj_chopra1 pic.twitter.com/0rbvZgV8k2 🎥 @ShaunDPickering

— Michael Johnson (@MJGold) January 4, 2023

Neeraj Chopra honoured by Michael Johnson’s appreciation, targets World Championship, Asian Games Glory in 2023 as chase of 90m mark continues, says, ‘I was 6 cm short, will cross it soon’ – Check out

On his fitness

“Everything is fine now, no injury concerns. Just that I put on a bit of weight having spent time at home and abroad during the home season. I tend to gain weight easily, so the first 2-3 weeks were focused on me getting back in shape before enforcing the training plans.”

On dealing with pressure, mental health

“I don’t think much about the expectations. Yes, you have to handle both your own and others’ expectations. But when I’m competing, my mind goes blank. It’s about giving it your all, your 100 per cent thinking that you have prepared for just this day. And somewhere these expectations from the people who love me play a positive part.”

On 90m mark

“We are constantly working on getting past that barrier. Sometimes, you miss out by a little margin during competition. I got 89.94 last season, missing out by just 6 cm. But if you look, I threw it from some distance behind the line. If I was 20cm ahead, I could have gone past 90. These are the fine margins and training has been excellent. We are hopeful to get past that mark this time around.”

“In this new year, I hope I will put an end to this question,” Chopra told reporters in a video interaction from England where he’s doing off-season training.