Neeraj hasn’t changed: Former coach Kashinath Naik

Neeraj Chopra with ex-coach Kashinath Naik at his residence. Pic/IANS

Neeraj Chopra, the heartthrob of the nation, the winner of the only gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in javelin throw, on Tuesday visited the home of his former coach and Indian army subedar, Kashinath Naik in Koregaon Park area of Pune.

Naik has the last laugh

Athletics Federation of India president Adille Sumariwalla had earlier issued a statement that Naik had never trained Neeraj. As Neeraj came to the house of Naik and spent almost an hour with his family members, Naik had the last laugh.

Sumariwalla had said he has never heard about Naik and Chopra, the Tokyo javelin medallist has never trained under him.

"Whatever we do, it is for the nation. I don't bother to comment or worry about allegations against me. I don't want the money either. [Karnataka government has announced R10 lakh cash award to him for coaching Neeraj Chopra]. Neeraj has asked me to be calm," said Kashinath.

Neeraj was welcomed by Chaitra, coach Naik's wife, by performing aarti (Hindu ritual to welcome winners by warding off evil spirits).

Down to earth Neeraj

Chopra spent quality time chatting with Naik's sons Daksh and Laksh, who also sport his style. He also played with the family's pet dog Rocky. "I was hesitant to invite Neeraj home as now he has become a celebrity. Neeraj only came forward to say that he would visit my house. I felt so happy. He has not changed a bit. He addressed my wife as bhabhi as he would call her earlier," explained Naik.

Chopra was in Pune to attend the inaugural function of a sports track named after him. Due to technical reasons, the function was postponed to August 27. "He came home at around 1 pm on Tuesday and stayed till 2 pm. Though we tried to keep it a low key affair, neighbours recognised him and surrounded him for selfies and photos. Neeraj calmly and happily fulfilled their requests," he stated.

‘He became a little boy'

Chaitra, who welcomed Chopra, shared that she was speechless to see a national star at her residence. "I can't describe my happiness. He became a little boy with my children. I had cooked paneer paratha for him. He ate sweets and drank coffee later," she informed.

Naik explained that Chopra liked Pune kulfies and he had got them parcelled. Despite being inundated with praises, after winning the only gold medal for the country, Chopra had called up Naik from Tokyo.

Naik, a subedar in the army, had trained the javelin thrower between 2015 and 2017.

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