Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra to congratulate him on winning the silver medal at the recent competition. Modi expressed his admiration for Chopra's achievement and dedication.
Neeraj Chopra's injury struggles
Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra, who recently clinched a silver medal at the Olympics, revealed that he may need surgery after pushing himself through injury to compete. Chopra, who has been battling an adductor injury, managed a season's best throw of 89.45m, earning him his second Olympic medal.
Balancing performance and health
Despite his achievement, Chopra expressed concerns about his injury, admitting that 60–70% of his focus during throws was on avoiding further harm. He acknowledged the difficulty of making decisions about surgery with major competitions on the horizon, and the impact of his injury on his performance.
Chopra's drive for a big throw
Chopra remains determined to surpass his personal best of 89.94 m, achieved in 2022. He expressed frustration at not yet reaching his potential and emphasized his commitment to continue working on his technique and fitness.
Challenges of competing while injured
Chopra detailed the physical challenges he's faced, including difficulty completing training sessions due to fear of injury. He highlighted the importance of his lower body in achieving powerful throws and lamented the impact of his injury on his ability to compete at his best.
Looking ahead
Chopra is set to consult with his team to decide on the next steps, including potential surgery. Despite the challenges, he remains focused on future goals and the pursuit of a "big throw" that has eluded him so far.
Also read | 'I was unfazed by Arshad's 92.97m mark': Neeraj Chopra reflects on silver-medal finish at Paris Olympics
