World Athletics Championships: Neeraj Chopra unknown facts: Neeraj Chopra has been the talk of the world ever since his win in Tokyo Olympics. He has, in fact, become a household name in India with growing popularity and stardom. He has a golden chance to take that ever further with a medal, if possibly gold at the World Athletics Championship men’s javelin throw final on Saturday (Sunday in India). Follow WCH Oregon 2022 live with InsideSport.IN
Also Read: Neeraj Chopra vs Anderson Peters, the GREAT BATTLE for Javelin GOLD Medal
Despite being a known figure, there are so many interesting facts about Neeraj, which makes us understand why he is one of the greatest Indian athlete of the generation.
Here is a look at ten facts about Neeraj Chopra
Was 90kgs when 12 years old: Neeraj Chopra is as fit as a fiddle now. But that was not the scene when he was a kid of around 10-12 year. He was 90 kgs and it was his uncle who helped him lose weight.
Lack of family time: Due to his tough and tight training schedule abroad, Neeraj does not get much time to attend even important functions in his family. Normally, his visit to home is limited to around two to three times a year.
Coached by Javelin Great: Neeraj was coached by a javelin great from Germany Uwe John from 2017 and he helped him become a great athlete. Interestingly, the German is the only thrower to have recorded to throw the spear above 100m. The AFI did not renew John’s contract last year.
World Athletics Championships: Neeraj Chopra Date with History on Sunday, 10 unknown facts about the world top javelin thrower
Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna in 2018 and Padma Shri in 2022: Much before he became the poster boy of Indian Olympics sports, he was the only track and field athlete in 2018 to be nominated by Athletics Federation of India for Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. After Tokyo gold, he was honoured with the Padma Shri this year as well.
First Flight for parents: After winning Tokyo Olympic gold, he took his parents for their first flight in September 2021. “A small dream of mine came true today as I was able to take my parents on their first flight,” Neeraj Chopra also shared about it on Instagram with some photos as well.
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Voleyball: He only adopted the sport of javelin in 2011. Until then, like any other Indian, he used to play cricket. And also, he loved playing volleyball.
First Major Limelight: He grabbed global attention when he broke the world record in the World U-20 Championships in 2016. He threw 85.94m. From there on, it has been an uphill climb at the international arena only.
First Indian: That throw in 2016 helped him also become the first Indian track and field athlete to win a medal at the World Championship.
His rivalry with Peters: There has been a lot of talk about Anderson Peters, who will be his major competitor for gold at the World Athletics Championships on Saturday (Sunday in India). But Neeraj defeated him twice last month and also beat him to clinch gold in CWG 2018.
The sole record holder: Since 2016, the national record has been with Neeraj Chopra, who has been improving year after year. From 82.23 in 2016, it has improved to 89.94m, the latter he attained earlier this month in Stockholm.
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