Paris Olympics 2024: Neeraj Chopra on chasing 90m, 'It’s in the Hands of the Gods'
Xtra Time Web Desk: Neeraj Chopra, the two-time Olympic medalist, has decided to leave his pursuit of the 90-meter javelin throw "to the gods" after narrowly missing the milestone at the Paris Games. Despite a strong 89.45-meter throw earning him a silver medal, Chopra fell short of Arshad Nadeem's remarkable 92.97-meter effort, which secured gold for the Pakistani athlete.
Chopra's journey to the podium was impressive, especially considering he was nursing a persistent groin injury. Now, his focus shifts to the Lausanne Diamond League on August 22, where he hopes to conclude the season on a high note despite his physical limitations.
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"I just want to prepare well and see where the javelin goes," Chopra shared during a virtual interaction arranged by JSW. "There's been so much talk about the 90-meter mark; now I feel like just letting it be. In Paris, I thought it would happen, but it didn’t. I'll give my 100 percent in the next two or three events and see what happens."
After the season-ending Diamond League in Brussels from September 13-14, Chopra plans to consult doctors about his injury, with surgery being a likely option. He has been managing the groin issue since winning gold at the World Championships last year, which has affected his ability to give his all during competitions.
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Chopra acknowledged the need for technical adjustments, particularly in his run-up and javelin release, which have been hampered by his injury. Despite these challenges, he remains focused on finishing the season strong and qualifying for the Diamond League finale in Brussels.
"There is one month to go until the season ends," Chopra said. "I will see the doctors in my free time."
