Drama, however, in terms of sporting intrigue is something one can hardly match with the very javelin superstar of India, Neeraj Chopra. The twist in the tale is as sharp as the javelin itself. Neeraj Chopra turned up in the final of the Diamond League in Brussels with a broken hand.
Neeraj Chopra broke the fourth metacarpal of his left hand just before the big showdown. Neeraj, however did not just appear for the match, he almost snatched victory in the last moment, finishing just a centimeter short of first place.
Anderson Peters won, with a throw of 87.87 meters, however Neeraj’s best effort was only good enough for 87.86 meters. Talk about close calls!
What Is A Metacarpal Fracture?
Curious, then, that Neeraj Chopra’s fracture isn’t a little thing. The fourth metacarpal is the little bone of the metacarpus connecting the base of the ring finger to the wrist and, most importantly here, vital for gripping, throwing, and, well, holding on to a javelin. Most would be lying down in agony with such pain, swelling, and restricted movement. Not Neeraj! His superhuman willpower kept him going, his hand sending him all kinds of unkind signals, maybe.
Groin Troubles—and Still Gunning for Glory
If a broken hand wasn’t enough in itself, Neeraj Chopra has had a groin injury throughout the season. The 90-meter mark still eludes him and an injury isn’t exactly helping his cause.
The Legend Continues
As injured as he was and how close that ultra-narrow defeat finally remained despite all this, Neeraj Chopra’s tenacity remains the stuff of legend. Who can forget the athlete who, with one hand badly broken, hurled the javelin a mere single centimeter from winning it?
One thing’s true, Neeraj Chopra is made of something extra special-maybe even javelin-grade steel.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
