Xtra Time Web Desk: Tokyo Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra created history on Sunday by becoming the first Indian to win a gold at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. The champion athlete has now won all the top competitions in the world. For Neeraj, winning gold in Tokyo Olympics was less tough than the World Championships.
“In Tokyo there was no pressure but here as an Olympic champion there was more pressure. During Tokyo Olympics I was fit. But here I was coming back from an injury and was a bit concerned” said Neeraj Chopra to RevSportz.
On being asked what his feelings are being an Olympic Champion as well a World Champion, Neeraj said, “I am feeling very happy to make India proud. When I started people started talking how I will compete with top athletes. After winning the World Championships, what I want to say is I have ended the mind-barrier.”
Talking about his success, Neeraj said, “I get motivated looking at myself in front of the mirror. I grew up watching the other athletes. To come from a non-sporting background and to be on top it feels like a dream. World Championships and Olympics gold, there were a lot of ups and downs. I did not dream about reaching here to tell you truth.”
Neeraj decided to skip a few competitions just to prepare well for the World Championships
“Previously, I had not participated the Commonwealth, this time around, three competitions I didn’t go to in order to stay fit. These are tough and honest decisions to make. I decided long before that I needed to be fit during the World Championships. If any athletes feel they can’t do it, then they should not participate in a particular competition,” signed off Neeraj.