India’s star athlete Neeraj Chopra is gearing up for action this month with appearances in the Diamond League in Doha and the 27th Federation Cup in Odisha from May 12 to May 15. Remarkably, he will jet off to Qatar on May 10 and swiftly return to India within 48 hours for the domestic competition.
With the Olympics scheduled from July 26 to August 11, Neeraj aims to defend his gold medal from Tokyo. The National Federation Cup athletics championship in Bhubaneshwar and the Diamond League in Doha serve as crucial warm-up events ahead of the Games. Additionally, his compatriot Kishore Jena will also feature in the Diamond League shortly after.
Neeraj’s last Federation Cup appearance in 2021 saw him achieve a remarkable throw of 87.80m in Patiala. The Athletics Federation of India confirmed his participation along with Kishore Kumar Jena in the upcoming domestic competition in Bhubaneshwar.
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Despite notable achievements in Javelin Throw, including a throw of 89.94 metres in Stockholm, Neeraj is yet to breach the elusive 90-metre mark. He remains focused on peak fitness for the Paris Olympics, emphasizing the importance of continual improvement and staying consistent during competitions.
“I want to be in the best possible shape for the Paris Olympics. My training sessions have been promising, but I understand the distinction between training and competition. Wearing the India jersey brings a unique feeling and unmatched energy,” Neeraj stated in an interview with SAI Media.
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“For me, staying 100 per cent fit, maintaining consistency throughout the season, and delivering on crucial days are paramount. There’s always room for improvement, especially with rising competition. Complacency can close doors, so the focus remains on constant growth,” he added.
