India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra takes to music and uses power of imagination to ensure lack of competition does not affect his preparation for Tokyo Games
Neeraj Chopra. Pic/AFP
Starved for competitive exposure in the build-up to the Olympics, star India javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has found a unique way to ensure that his mind feels ready for his maiden appearance in the Games.
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“I listen to slow music and imagine that I am in a competition, taking part and throwing in the Olympics, so that I don’t feel completely new in my first competition,” Chopra revealed in an online interaction from his training base in Upsala, Sweden.
Touted as one of India’s strongest bets for a medal in Tokyo, Chopra said his build-up to the Games has been quite challenging given the lack of competitive exposure but he is trying to stay positive for the big event.
Meditation helps
Chopra, 23, said he has missed the ‘natural feeling’ of being in a world-class field, except for one occasion, in the run-up to the Games which open on July 23. He meditates to keep himself focussed when not training.
That one time was the Kuortane Games event in Finland on June 26 where he won a bronze with a performance of 86.79m in a star-studded field comprising, among others, Olympics gold favourite German Johannes Vetter, who won the event with a massive throw of 93.59m.
“I had a new experience in Finland. During the run-up, I felt the real experience of a top-level competition, the kind of natural feeling which gives you the best performance, comes after you take part a lot of world class events,” Chopra said from his training base.
“For me, that was the only time,” he added. Talking about the challenges that came with the restrictions that came into force because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chopra said he has tried to stay positive nonetheless.
Positive mindset
“I did not get good international competitions when I wanted and there had to be several changes in training and competition schedule. “But, I am in positive frame of mind because a lot depends on the performance of the day. I am just hoping to give my best and realise my dream of winning a gold for the country.”
Chopra, who has pulled out of the June 13 Diamond League at Gateshead due to visa issues, has taken part in only three international events since June 10. He won’t participate in competitions anymore before travelling to Tokyo on July 26.
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