'My mental edge is crucial to my success' ,says Neeraj Chopra post Asian Games 2023

Neeraj finishes the season with World Championships and Asian Games gold medals.

In a stunning display of skill and determination, Neeraj Chopra, the reigning champion thrower, successfully defended his title at the recent Asian Games 2023. His victory was a testament to his exceptional abilities as he had also clinched gold in the previous edition held in Jakarta. This remarkable achievement marked a historic moment for Indian athletics.

Neeraj's fellow countryman, Kishore Kumar Jena, also made headlines by shattering his personal best not once, but twice, to secure the silver medal with an astonishing throw of 87.54m. This dynamic duo's outstanding performance resulted in India's first-ever 1-2 finish in the men's javelin throw event, a moment that will be etched in the nation's sporting history.

Their celebration, draped in the tricolor, graced the front pages of leading newspapers across the country, underlining the significance of their achievement.

In a post-victory interview, Neeraj shared his thoughts on various aspects of his journey and the Asian Games:

Neeraj acknowledged the rising star in Indian javelin, Kishore Kumar Jena, who had secured a silver medal in the national championships and even achieved a commendable fifth place in the World Athletic Championships in Budapest. Neeraj praised Jena's performance, highlighting the shift in global dominance in javelin throwing.

"I am thrilled with Jena's performance, which reflects India's growing influence in javelin. I stood by him when his first throw faced an unfair disqualification, just as it happened to me. It's important to stand up for what's right, and our unity as athletes is a powerful message," Neeraj commended his teammate.

The Olympic champion also expressed optimism about India's performance, celebrating the fact that India had exceeded the 100-medal mark, a significant improvement from previous editions. He stated, "India is making strides in sports performance. Our athletes are delivering exceptional results, and if this trajectory continues, it won't be long before we finish in the top three at the Asian Games."

India stands at the 4th position, behind China, Japan, and South Korea. Neeraj shared his unique perspective on competing as a World champion and Olympic gold medalist in the 2022 Asian Games. He highlighted the difference in his status from his previous participation, where he was solely a Commonwealth Games gold medalist. He also mentioned the electric atmosphere in the stadium, with enthusiastic support from the crowd and athletes from various sports cheering for their favorites.

Addressing the absence of his arch-rival, Arshad Nadeem, Neeraj reflected on the challenges athletes face in deciding whether to compete in certain events. He emphasized the rivalry between India and Pakistan in athletics, assuring fans that they would witness their showdown at the upcoming Paris Olympics.

Neeraj attributed his success at the Asian Games to his mental strength. Despite battling a groin injury and undergoing extensive rehabilitation, his unwavering self-belief propelled him to victory. "My mental edge is crucial to my success. I constantly remind myself that I can overcome any obstacle," Neeraj shared.

Looking ahead to the Paris Olympics, Neeraj, along with Kishore Kumar Jena, expressed their readiness for the competition. They revealed plans for training in Europe, emphasizing the importance of injury prevention during mid-season training.

"Injuries can disrupt the flow of preparation, so we must be cautious. With a well-executed plan, I'm confident that everything will fall into place for a successful campaign in Paris," Neeraj concluded.