Neeraj Chopra Recounts How Injury Didn't Allow 'Practice Throws And Technique'

Last Updated:July 04, 2025, 17:20 IST

Neeraj Chopra shared his journey to breaching the 90-metre mark in javelin, highlighting the pain and perseverance involved.

Neeraj Chopra has been long trying to touch the 90m mark. (AFP Photo)

For most of us, 90 metres is just a number. For Neeraj Chopra, it was a journey – a long, winding one marked by pain, patience, and perseverance.

In a recent interview, India’s Olympic gold medallist opened up about the moment he finally breached that elusive 90-metre barrier in javelin – a moment years in the making, yet deeply personal in its impact.

“That 90 metres had become just a number for me. Everyone kept asking – when will you do it?" said Neeraj.

He highlighted the reality behind the scenes – the injury setbacks, the limitations, the heartbreak of not being able to train at full tilt. “I wasn’t able to practice throws properly and work consistently on my technique for a few years because of injuries," he said.

When the moment finally came, Neeraj said, it wasn’t just a throw – it was a relief, “When I finally did it, everything just poured out. It felt so good – like something I had imagined for so long had finally come true."

And now, as he prepares to write another chapter at the upcoming Neeraj Chopra Classic, he knows he won’t be alone.

Neeraj expressed his excitement about their presence, saying, “The Bharat Army has always supported every sportsperson, not just cricketers. Their presence, their chants, their energy — it means so much."

He added, “When fans are in the stadium, it changes the atmosphere completely. The kind of motivation and happiness it gives an athlete, you really feel it. And now, at the Neeraj Chopra Classic, I hope they’ll be there again, cheering for me, cheering for India and making it special as always.

Neeraj Chopra will be in action in the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025, India’s first-ever international javelin competition, will be held at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday, July 5th, 2025.

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...

Read More

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News sports Neeraj Chopra Recounts How Injury Didn't Allow 'Practice Throws And Technique'