With less than a month left before the start of Paris Olympics 2024, Neeraj Chopra is diligently working away from the public eye, fine-tuning his technique. Concerns have been raised about his limited competition participation this season, but Chopra remains confident in his decision to prioritize his health over frequent competitions.
Prioritizing Health Over Competition
“This is the time to fix and improve things,” Neeraj told ESPN in an exclusive conversation. He explained that his current training regimen in Saarbrucken, Germany, has shifted to high-intensity sessions designed to peak his performance for the Olympics. “My workouts are less in volume now but will be at a high level, and my body will be at its peak.“
Addressing Groin Injury Concerns
Chopra’s main focus has been on reducing the impact on the groin muscle of his blocking leg, crucial for transferring momentum during his throws. A groin injury had sidelined him from the Commonwealth Games last year and resurfaced in May, causing discomfort in his adductor. To mitigate this, he has limited his competitions to just three this year, compared to five before the Tokyo Olympics.
Experience Brings Wisdom
Reflecting on his journey, Chopra noted that his mindset has evolved since the Tokyo Olympics. “Back then, if I had an entry in a competition, I would definitely go and compete no matter what happened. But now, with more experience, I am better placed to make correct decisions,” he said. This maturity has led him to prioritize his body’s health and pause training if he feels discomfort.
Strategic Competition Participation
Neeraj Chopra’s selective participation saw him withdraw from the Ostrava Golden Spike in May and skip the Paris Diamond League. His performances at the Federation Cup (82.27m) and the Paavo Nurmi Games (85.97m) were among his lowest since becoming Olympic champion, but these were strategic decisions. “At the Federation Cup, I didn’t really feel I needed to perform. Bhubaneswar’s heat and the travel made it difficult to give my 100%.“
Building Confidence for the Runway
The groin injury necessitated a break in his training, however Chopra returned to compete at the Paavo Nurmi Games, focusing on his body’s response rather than the throw distance. “I was slow on the runway compared to my normal speed. I want that speed back and for that, I need proper confidence that I am fully fit.“
Looking Forward to Paris
Despite a mixed season, Chopra’s 88.36m throw at the Doha Diamond League ranks #4 globally in 2024, underscoring his potential. He remains positive and enjoys the routine of an athlete’s life, even finding humor in its repetitiveness. “We follow the same routine for a long time and repeat the same things time and again. We workout, eat, hydrate, sleep, and do it all over again. But I enjoy it.“
As Neeraj Chopra continues his preparations, Indian fans can take comfort in his focused and strategic approach, ensuring he will be at his best when it matters most in Paris.
The Sportz Planed Desk,
Athara Shetye
