How Neeraj Chopra's token gesture inspired Kishore Kumar Jena at Asian Games 2023

Jena booked his spot for Paris Olympics after clinching silver at Asian Games 2023.

India’s second-best javelin thrower, Kishore Kumar Jena, has booked his ticket for next year’s Paris Olympics 2024. But his journey to the top was not easy. He faced many challenges and doubts along the way. He even contemplated quitting the sport at one point but what kept him going was the inspiration and support from his idol and mentor, Neeraj Chopra.

Neeraj Chopra earlier became the first Indian to win a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships. He has achieved everything that a javelin thrower can dream of from winning gold at Tokyo Olympics to winning the coveted Diamond League title last year.

The Indian has won the admiration and respect of millions of fans for his patriotic and sportsmanlike gestures. After winning the gold medal at the World Championships in Budapest, he refused to sign the Indian flag when a Hungarian fan requested him to do so. He said, “Wahan nahi sign kar sakta (can’t sign there)”12, citing the flag code. He instead signed her shirt sleeve and made her happy.

He also showed his magnanimity and friendship towards Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who finished fourth in the same event. Nadeem did not have his national flag during the presentation ceremony, so Chopra invited him to join him and share the Indian flag. The gesture was appreciated by many as a sign of peace and harmony between the two nations.

These acts of Chopra inspired Jena, who was watching him closely. Jena told ESPN, “Neeraj bhaiya is my role model. I look up to him and learn from him. He is very humble and respectful. He always motivates me and guides me. He also shares his experiences and tips with me. He is like a big brother to me.”

Jena said that Chopra’s refusal to sign the Indian flag made him proud and emotional. “It was a very patriotic gesture. He showed his love and respect for the country and the flag. He also taught us a lesson that we should not disrespect our flag. I was very touched by his gesture.

“He showed that sports is beyond politics and boundaries. He showed that we can be friends with anyone, regardless of their nationality or religion. He also showed that we should appreciate and support our fellow athletes, even if they are our rivals. He is a true ambassador of sports.”

Jena iterated Chopra’s gestures motivated him to do his best and achieve his goals. “He inspired me to work hard and never give up. He inspired me to improve my performance and qualify for the Olympics. He inspired me to win a medal at the Asian Games. He inspired me to become India’s best javelin thrower after him.”

The athlete from Odisha is grateful to Neeraj for his inspiration and support. “I owe everything to him. He is my guru and my friend. He is the reason why I am here today. He is the reason why I love this sport. He is the reason why I want to make India proud.”

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