Need to participate in competitions before Olympics: Neeraj Chopra
What's the story
Olympic-bound star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra on Wednesday said he is desperate for some competition ahead of the Tokyo Games given that two years have simply been wasted because of injury and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 23-year-old, who is being seen as a strong medal hope in Tokyo, said he has been coordinating with the Sports Authority of India to get some competition exposure.
Chopra's statements
Haven't played in international competitions in over two years: Chopra
"I am trying to give my 100 percent in training as I used to do before," Chopra said in virtual interaction, arranged by SAI and Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
"It has been over two years that I haven't played international competitions. Due to injury 2019 got wasted and 2020 and 2021 have been wasted due to COVID-19," he elaborated.
Competitions
We need to compete with those athletes: Chopra
Emphasizing the importance of competitions, Chopra said, training alone is not enough to fetch good performances on the big stage.
"We are training from last year. If we are thinking about the Olympics, then we need to compete with those athletes. I don't have an experience of playing in the Olympics, this will be my first time," Chopra added.
COVID-19
No one knows if Olympics will happen or not: Chopra
Chopra said despite the negative environment created by the pandemic, he is keeping himself positive.
"COVID-19 has spread in our country which has created a negative environment. It is difficult, but we are trying to focus, work hard, and help others. We have to continue with the sport and keep training. We still don't know whether the Olympics will happen or not," Chopra stated.
Target
I am closing in on the 90-meter mark: Chopra
Chopra, who had smashed his own national record with a throw of 88.07m during the third Indian Grand Prix in March, also said the way his preparations have been going, he is very close to cc.
The star also revealed that he has taken the first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine and nobody in his family is affected due to the virus.