Neeraj Chopra
Neeraj Chopra stands out in a lineup of India’s sporting heroes, most of whom have achieved celebrity status through cricket.
Despite having rarely bowled a ball or swung a bat since childhood, the champion javelin thrower can’t ignore the parallels between his discipline and India’s favourite pastime.
“I feel that in India, it’s natural, a fast arm,” Chopra tells CNN Sport. “And it’s a basic thing in javelin throwing – if you have a fast arm, you can throw far.”
While India boasts over 125 million cricket enthusiasts, according to a 2022 report by Ormax Media, Chopra’s ability to hurl a spear close to 300 feet has garnered him a significant following of his own.
His fame has soared with each successive triumph. Following his historic Olympic gold in Tokyo three years ago – where he became the first Asian athlete to clinch the title in the javelin – Chopra went on to claim the world championship in Budapest last year, making him the first Indian to secure a world title in a track and field event.
Given his remarkable career thus far, it’s hardly surprising that the modest 26-year-old has captured hearts back home.
“So many people from my country support me; they watch my competitions,” says Chopra. “Even when I compete in the Diamond League, they watch until one or two in the morning. Amazingly, people rally behind athletics.”
His popularity is such that August 7 is commemorated as National Javelin Day in India, marking the anniversary of Chopra’s Olympic victory in Tokyo.
Before Chopra, India had little history in track and field, with most Olympic medals coming in field hockey and wrestling. But now, there’s genuine excitement whenever the superstar athlete takes to the field, and as he charges down the runway with a weapon in hand, a nation holds its breath.
“Ask anyone in India who their favourite sportsperson is, and unanimously, the answer will be Neeraj Chopra – despite athletics not being a popular sport,” says veteran journalist Norris Pritam, who authored a book on Chopra’s life and career.
“While cricket is widely followed and almost a religion, Neeraj Chopra is hailed as the best sportsperson. He’s a hero. Absolutely a hero in India.”
Growing up in the rural village of Khandra in Haryana, Chopra played cricket and volleyball in his pre-teen years. Despite being overweight, he was drawn to athletics after witnessing a javelin soar through the sky at a stadium in nearby Panipat.
Today, Chopra’s achievements include:
- Two Asian Games titles.
- A Commonwealth Games gold medal.
- His world and Olympic successes.
Heading into the Paris Olympics, which kick off on July 26, Chopra is the favourite to defend his title. However, he’s focused on staying healthy and not letting the pressure of winning another gold medal affect him.
“My main focus is to stay healthy,” says Chopra. “But I’m not feeling the pressure of winning another gold medal. I’ll train with all my heart and give my best … The day of the competition will decide who wins a medal.”
Performing under pressure has been a constant in Chopra’s career, but his popularity doesn’t intimidate him; instead, it fuels his confidence up to his final throw.
“This isn’t pressure for me,” he adds. “I feel perfect when people talk about me and say, ‘Okay, Neeraj can win this medal, Neeraj can throw far.’ I always take these things positively.”
Having secured his first world title last year – previously the most notable gap in his collection – Chopra now aims to surpass the 90-meter mark in javelin throwing, a milestone he describes as “magical.”
While only 24 men in history have achieved this feat, Chopra’s personal best is just inches shy of that distance, making it more a matter of when, rather than if, he reaches his goal.
