Superstar Neeraj Chopra allayed concerns over his form and fitness by passing the javelin throw qualification test in flying colours, setting the stage for a successful defence of his Olympic gold at the Paris Games here on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old, also the reigning world champion and Asian Games gold medallist, arrived in the French capital with worries over his adductor that forced him to limit his participation to just three events — the Doha Diamond League, Senior National Federation Cup and Paavo Nurmi Games.
Chopra though showed that he’s determined on becoming just the fifth male javelin thrower in history to successfully defend his Olympic crown by topping the qualification charts in just his very first throw — a season’s best of 89.34 metres on a baking morning at the Stade de France. The effort was also the second best of his career, behind 89.94 he accomplished in June 2022.
He immediately raised his hands in celebration, knowing the first part of his job was done. The second will come on Thursday where he’ll be up against tw0-time world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada, Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch, German Julian Weber and his friend cum rival Arshad Nadeem.
“This was just the qualification round and I just wanted to get my confidence flowing. I’m happy to have achieved the mark on my first attempt. Now the next goal is to defend my gold although the mindset during qualifications is different from the final. Topping the qualification is good but the main thing is to do well in the final. I’m totally focused on the final,” a delighted Chopra said.
The Indian then said there are still some concerns over his adductor but he’s ready to give it his all on Thursday. “There are still some concerns but we addressed it very well before coming here. It’s much better than what it was but all my focus is on the final. The competition is going to be very tough and since the final will be in the evening, there will be some change in strategy.”
Chopra said the season’s best throw will give him a lot of confidence as he aspires to become India’s first ever individual double gold medallist at Olympics. “When you get such a fantastic throw in your first attempt, it gives you a lot of confidence. This is what athletes want and I’m feeling great the way the javelin left my hand. Like I said, I want to give my best in the final as that’s the main picture. I’m ready for the final and can’t wait for it.”
As Chopra aced the test without breaking much sweat, his colleague Kishor Jena couldn’t conjure his best and finished 18th overall. Competing in Group A ahead of Chopra, the 28-year-old started with a 80.73 throw then fouled his attempt before managing a 80.21 in his last effort.
Meanwhile, Kiran Pahal couldn’t advance to the semifinals of the women’s 400m semifinal after finishing sixth in her repechage round. The 24-year-old from Rohtak produced a below-par time of 52.59 seconds.
Published 06 August 2024, 11:03 IST