World Athletics Championship: 'Already thrown 90m...' Neeraj Chopra aims podium in Tokyo

Indian javelin throw champion Neeraj Chopra, speaking ahead of Tuesday's Golden Spike Athletics meet in Ostrava, Czech Republic, expressed confidence about his performance while preparing for the World Championship in Tokyo.

Fresh from his Paris Diamond League victory with an 88.16m throw, Chopra is working with legendary Czech coach Jan Zelezny as he aims for success at the World Championships.Chopra, who achieved his first 90m plus throw at the season-opening Diamond League meet in Doha, remains focused on improving his technique."I am really happy to work with such a great athlete and coach. I've already thrown 90m this year after little bit more improvement in technique.

So let's see when it comes next time but I am ready. Recently we've done a good training in Nymburk (Czech Republic) so I'll do my best here in Ostrava," Chopra said.

The two-time Olympic medallist identified the World Championships in Tokyo as his primary target for the season."Main goal for the season is obviously World Championships in Tokyo," stated the athlete who previously won gold at the biennial event.Chopra shared his excitement about competing at a venue where he had watched sporting legends perform.

"When I was kid, I watched a lot of videos and photos of athletes as Usain Bolt competing here. I came last year but I didn't compete because of injury. Now I feel good, but I don't want to put any pressure on myself for 90m. But I'll try really hard," he said.

The World Athletics Championships will take place in Tokyo from September 13 to 21 this year.Chopra, who secured gold in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and silver in 2024 Paris, spoke about his coach Zelezny's experience with Indian fans in Doha."When I competed at Diamond League in Doha, there were a lot of Indian people who wanted to take pictures with Jan. And they are sometimes...you know...very intense so I was bit worried about him. But he left to the hotel quickly," he revealed.The athlete is also preparing for the Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw meet in Bengaluru on July 5."This will be my first really serious competition in India with international athletes, on July 5.

I still have to manage a lot of things before competition but it will be a good experience," Chopra said.He expressed satisfaction about the growing recognition of sports beyond cricket in India."So now it would not be good if I would say no to people. And I'm happy that now in India people recognise other sports than cricket," he added.Chopra maintained satisfaction with his gold-winning performance at the Paris Diamond League, despite not reaching the 90m mark.His coach Zelezny expressed contentment with Chopra's development."I am happy about the situation. It's important for javelin and throws in general as athletics, is not only about sprints. Neeraj opened the doors to other countries, it's great for our sport," Zelezny stated.