Credit: Twitter
Two-time Asian Games gold medalist Neeraj Chopra talked about how he has yet to reach his potential after his triumph at the Asiad 2023 in Hangzhou, China. Chopra clinched the gold medal in the men’s javelin throw event. The 25-year-old was one of India’s biggest medal hopes and successfully lived up to the expectations with a season-best throw of 88.88 m.
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The Asiad Gold capped off an injury-riddled season, where the 25-year-old won the World Championships title in August in Budapest and finished second in the Diamond League finals in September. But despite these wins, Chopra could have achieved far more but was held back with a groin injury.
After the event, Neeraj Chopra spoke about being content with himself as injuries affected his season. Hence the Indian star expressed that he is still away from fulfilling his potential. “I am happy that I pushed myself and ended with a season-best effort. But it also made me wonder if I were fit and 100 per cent in my technique then how long could I have thrown," he said. "So I have to find in myself what I can do, what mindset I can make that I can achieve my potential because I feel I am still a lot away from that."
Similarly, Chorpa also spoke about how he has been eagerly waiting to breach the 90 m mark and target distances of 92m or 93m. "Since 2018, it was a possibility to cross 90m. At the Asian Games, I threw 88.06, then I had an injury in 2019, then Covid happened but I managed to qualify for the Olympics," he said. "In 2021 also, I had good preparation. In 2022 and 2023 also I threw close with 88s and 89s.”
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“So I don't know, I am also waiting for that. I mean 90m is not impossible because if I am getting close, I can go beyond 90m, maybe 92m or 93m. So it is not a question of 90m, now I am consistent at one score, so my main focus will be to first cross the 90 mark and then stay consistent in that score,” he continued.
