Kolkata: Ace Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra stated on Wednesday that he has set his sights on shattering the Olympic record to add to his gold medal-winning performance at the Tokyo Olympics.
In his second attempt at the Tokyo Games, Chopra, who has a personal best of 88.07 meters, clinched the historic gold with a throw of 87.58 meters.
Although Andreas Thorkildsen set the Olympic record of 90.57m in Beijing in 2008, Neeraj commented that adding another feather to his cap would be amazing.
After being the first Indian to win Olympic gold in athletics, the 23-year-old stated during his first visit to Kolkata, “An Olympic gold medal is the ultimate. But in athletics, you can add one more thing to your gold medal — an Olympic record.”
“I’ve the national record standing at 88.07 meters, while the Olympic record is 90.57. If I can go a step further then it would be an Olympic gold with a personal best and an Olympic record,” he added while talking about his target.
Chopra was in Kolkata for a two-day visit as part of a special felicitation ceremony, organized by the Kolkata Police Department. Commenting on it, the Tokyo gold medalist stated “Wonderful felicitation arranged by Kolkata Police. I am super happy.
Got a token of appreciation from the honorable Police Commissioner of Kolkata for my little bit contribution to sports .. can’t express my feelings.” He also stated that he miss his dad in such events.
“I’m meeting new people everyday, attending so many functions. The biggest change I see is for the Olympic sport. I always knew it would be a different atmosphere when I return home,” Chopra stated.
It’s a great thing that people are now keenly following Olympic sports. I hope Indian sports achieve greater heights,” he added.
Having already decided to end the 2021 season due to a “packed schedule”, Neeraj said he has three important events — World Championships, Commonwealth Championships, and Diamond League — lined up next year.
“I will start training soon, and will focus on my real work then,” he concluded.
The West Bengal Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs Manoj Tiwary, has already honored the javelin winner.
Already a national hero, Neeraj’s golden achievement will definitely be a big topic during Durga Puja next month, as he has been invited to see the state’s biggest event.
