In India's 121 year Olympic history, Neeraj Chopra has created history by winning the gold medal in the javelin throw in the field and track event. Neeraj is currently in Tokyo and will leave for India this evening. In an exclusive interview, Neeraj said that right now he wants to focus on the game and making new records is his goal.
People are saying that a biopic should be made on you and you should play your role in it, what are you thinking about this?
As long as my career is going on, I would like a biopic not to be made. A film should be made on my life only after I take retirement from sports. So that before that I can focus on my game. On the other hand, after my retirement, there will be some newness in the film.
When the final was going on, what was going through your mind? When did you think your gold was confirmed?
When the final was going on, the only thing on my mind was to do my best. Our game is very technical, the distance of the throw makes a big difference in the slightest disturbance. I could not break my national record, but winning gold in the Olympics is a different feeling. When all the participants had made their last throw, then I assumed that I have now won the gold.
What did coach Dr. Klaus Bartonietz tell you for the final? Was there any talk with the family members or anyone else before the final?
Coach Klaus told the first from the final to try and get the best of the first throw. As done in the qualification round. I didn't talk to anyone much before the final. I spoke only to my younger uncle at home and besides him to my senior Jaiveer. Everyone had faith in me that I would do well. In such a situation, I also felt that something good is going to happen for me today.
What is your next target, what is beyond gold?
Right now I want to celebrate the happiness of Gold with the family members. There will be an event this year and if the training is good, I will participate in it, otherwise, I will focus on preparing for the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and World Championships.
How did it come to your mind that the Olympic medal has to be dedicated to Milkha Singh, for any special reason?
I have seen many videos of Milkha Singh, in which I have heard him say that someone from our country should go to the Olympics and bring medals for the country in track and field. He used to say that someone should finish the podium and play the national anthem. Now he is no more and his wish was to win a medal for the country. So after winning I decided to dedicate the Olympic medal to him. I dedicate this gold medal to all those senior players, who could not win after reaching the medal in the Olympics and who always wanted a player of the country to win a medal.
You have taken training from foreign coaches, how much do all these contribute to your performance?
All the foreign coaches have been instrumental in my performance. Each had its own distinct technique and speciality. I got to learn something from everyone. I have trained with coach Dr. Klaus Bartonietz since 2019. Their technique is quite different. He worked hard. Because of which I was able to win gold.
Earlier in 2018 worked with Hawn. His technique was different and he worked a lot on my strength. Trained with Gary Calvert in 2016. In such a situation, I got to learn something new from all the foreign coaches. All these have contributed in some way to my stellar performance. I am thankful to all.
How was the feeling when the flag of the country was hoisted and the national anthem was playing during the medal ceremony?
Standing in the middle of the podium and wearing a medal is a different feeling. When the national anthem was played and the flag of the country hoisted, then it seemed that the hard work we have put in has been successful and whatever troubles we have faced till now, it seems less.
Your mother has said that she has made churma for you. What are your plans after returning to India?
After returning to India, I will go home and spend some time with my family members and eat home food.
Have your followers increased on social media after winning your medal?
The number of followers has increased after winning the gold medal in Olympics. All those who saw my final have started following me on social media.
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