Bengaluru, July 4: Double Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra is living a dream of competing in a javelin event that bears his name and believes that it is start of something significant in Indian athletics which now needs multiple world class events.
The Neeraj Chopra Classic, which will feature top-class athletes, is set to take place at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Saturday.
Chopra said he will try to upscale the event in the coming years.
“I feel like I’m in a dream. Medals are a different thing. But I’ve given something like this to India and to Indian athletes. I’m very happy about that. This is the beginning of a new chapter in our athletics,” Chopra said in a pre-event press meet here Friday.
“The support I’m getting from everyone. From the government, from KOA (Karnataka Olympic Association), from World Athletics, from the sponsors… I feel like we can make this event even better.”
Chopra said he wanted to make the athletic competitions in India comparable to the events which are held regularly in the traditional powerhouses like the USA or European nations.
“This is the beginning of international competitions in India. As we see, there are so many international competitions in Germany and such nations – A category, B, C etc and every week, there’s a competition.
“So, this is what I want in India, as there should be at least 4, 5, 6 competitions which are world class. The athletes should get a chance and people should see them play. That will be very good for our sport,” he explained.
While he is very much involved in the conduct of the event, the star athlete said he has not diverted his focus from acing an elite field here on Saturday, and keeping his preparation on track for the upcoming World Championships.
“The athlete in me is always up (for the competition). That’s why I’m trying to manage everything. My team is also handling so many things. But the athlete in me is always up. I’m training hard,” he said.
“After doing everything, I train. I did throw sessions, too. So, yes. I have a mindset for that ahead of tomorrow’s competition.”
While winning the event that has been named after him remains his immediate priority, Chopra is aware that he has a bigger challenge coming his way in the World Championships in Tokyo in September.
The ace Indian javelin thrower said he has his eyes firmly set on the blue riband event.
“Of course, tomorrow’s competition is very important and after that we will start preparing for the World Championships. I’m very happy to be here with the coach (Jan Zelezny). Yesterday, I was training in the gym with the coach. This is the kind of competition that will be the target ahead of the World Championship,” he noted.
Beyond the personal glory moment, Chopra was also excited to see a world class event taking place in India.
“I’m very happy that this is finally happening. I was at the gym yesterday and I saw other athletes throwing and that has been my dream. I will say it again that I never thought there would be an event like this.
“I never thought I would represent India and win a medal. All that has happened. Now, there’s peace in my mind that something like this is happening.” (PTI)
