Neeraj Chopra focuses on major titles and consistency at Commonwealth Games
Neeraj Chopra, a two-time Olympic medallist and reigning world champion in javelin, has arrived in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games. He touched down on Saturday morning, sporting an all-black outfit, and appeared relaxed as he entered the hotel housing the athletics and para-athletics contingent. Chopra is returning to the Commonwealth Games after missing the 2022 Birmingham edition due to injury.
Chopra has stated that his focus is on securing major titles and delivering consistent performances, especially under challenging conditions, rather than being solely fixated on achieving the 90-metre throw mark. While he has a personal best of 90.23m, achieved at the Doha Diamond League last year, he considers winning gold in major competitions his primary objective, with distance being a secondary goal.
Challenging Conditions and Mental Strength
The 28-year-old athlete acknowledges that external factors, such as weather, frequently influence javelin competitions. He highlighted that consistency becomes crucial when conditions make big throws difficult. With rain and gusty winds forecast for the competition, Chopra has already started preparing for these challenging conditions, emphasising the importance of mental fortitude.
Chopra commented on the tough conditions, noting that they are the same for all competitors. He believes that maintaining mental strength is key, regardless of how adverse the weather might be, and constantly considers how to achieve his best throw even in the worst circumstances. His approach underscores the mental battle involved in high-stakes competitions.
His only appearance since then was in the Doha Diamond League, where he placed fourth with an 85.69m throw. Chopra has also faced various injury issues in recent years, including ankle, shoulder, wrist, and adductor problems, leading him to adopt a cautious approach to his return to competition.
Return to Commonwealth Games and Rivalries
This marks Chopra’s return to the Commonwealth Games for the first time since his gold medal debut at the 2018 Gold Coast edition. He holds fond memories of the event, considering it the starting point of his senior international career. He expressed happiness about being back on the field and feeling good, noting that the nature of the competition has evolved significantly over the past eight years.
The men’s javelin event has become highly competitive, particularly in Asia. Chopra will renew his rivalry with Pakistan’s Olympic and defending Commonwealth Games champion Arshad Nadeem. Additionally, Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, who recorded a world-leading 92.62m in the Rome Diamond League earlier this month, is entering the competition in strong form, having also finished ahead of Chopra in Doha.
Chopra views the increased competition as a positive development, stating that it pushes athletes to perform better. He noted the strong competition within South Asia, anticipating that it will motivate all participants. He will be joined by Rohit Yadav and Yash Vir Singh in the men’s javelin throw event.
Chopra’s fitness is currently good, following a recovery period. He played his first competition in Doha after recovering, and it went well. He focused on improving his weaknesses and fitness during his rehabilitation. The qualifying rounds for the men’s javelin throw are scheduled for July 30.
Strategic Approach to Performance
Chopra’s strategy prioritises winning gold medals over consistently hitting the 90-metre mark. He believes that in major games, the primary challenge is to win gold among the world’s best athletes, with distance being a secondary consideration. He aims to continuously improve his throwing distance over the long term, but not at the expense of securing top honours in competitions.
He mentioned that he does not feel pressure or obsess over a specific distance, but rather focuses on overall improvement as an athlete. His recent preparations in Switzerland involved increasing the intensity of his workouts and fitness regime after the Doha Diamond League. Chopra hopes for warmer weather on his competition day.
Source: m.rediff.com
