Neeraj Chopra Wants This 'Superpower' From Cricket Legend Sachin Tendulkar

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Last Updated:June 30, 2025, 18:04 IST

Neeraj Chopra admires Sachin Tendulkar's ability to perform under pressure and aspires to possess his superpower.

Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra expressed his admiration for Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, stating he would love to possess Tendulkar’s superpower of delivering outstanding performances despite facing numerous challenges.

Neeraj, who recently clinched victories at the Paris Diamond League and Ostrava Golden Spike meet, is making history with the Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw competition. This World Athletics ‘A’ category event, the first of its kind in India, is set to take place on July 5 at the Sree Kanteerva Stadium in Bengaluru.

In an interview with Star Sports, Neeraj named Tendulkar when asked which cricketer’s superpower he would like to have for throwing the javelin. Neeraj praised Tendulkar’s ability to represent India exceptionally well for many years, setting numerous records while facing great bowlers, and expressed his desire to handle challenges with a similarly calm mindset.

“Sachin Tendulkar. He represented our country so well for so many years and made so many records for us. The way he faced challenges from many great bowlers and still performed exceptionally — I would want that superpower and try to do the same. It would help me handle challenges that come my way with a calm mindset," said Chopra to Star Sports.

Which Cricket Neeraj Chopra Feels Can Be Potential Javelin Throw Star?

The 27-year-old javelin star also mentioned he believes Australian fast bowler Brett Lee and Indian spearhead Jasprit Bumrah could throw the javelin well. Neeraj noted that Lee was a javelin thrower before turning to cricket and could likely throw well, particularly in his peak years. He also expressed interest in trying javelin with Bumrah and learning some bowling skills from him, acknowledging the differences between bowling and javelin throwing.

“I have heard that Brett Lee was a javelin thrower. I think he could throw the javelin well, especially when he was in his peak years. I would like to try javelin with Jasprit Bumrah too and hope he teaches me some bowling skills. While bowling and javelin are both throws, they are very different. I would like to learn from Bumrah," he added.

Chopra added that former India captain MS Dhoni‘s famous ‘Helicopter Shot’ resembles a javelin throw in terms of power and technique.

Discussing his approach to competitions, Neeraj said he tries to stay calm on the day of his event, focusing on giving 100 percent without overthinking. He emphasises relaxation, eating well, and resting properly.

“I try to stay calm on the day of my event. I don’t think too much about it. I just focus on giving my 100 per cent. I try to stay relaxed, eat good food, and rest well."

Neeraj also shared the best advice he has received, both on and off the field. His coach, Jan Zelezny, who holds the world record in javelin with a throw of 98.48 metres, advised him to maintain a sense of flow while running. Zelezny stressed the importance of running without tension, akin to an 18-year-old.

Neeraj is gradually understanding the concept of flow, recognising its significance in sports. He cited Roger Federer as an example of an athlete who played with such grace and rhythm that it appeared effortless. Neeraj aims to incorporate this quality into his training.

“It came from my coach Jan Zelezny, who also holds the world record in javelin with a throw of 98.48 metres. Whenever I throw, I stay very energetic, but he tells me I need to run in a flow. It shouldn’t feel tight — I should run like an 18-year-old kid without any tension.

“I’m slowly understanding the concept of flow. I think that in any sport, flow is very important. For example, Roger Federer — he played with such grace and rhythm that it never seemed like he was putting in too much effort. I’m trying to bring that into my training," he concluded.

(With inputs from IANS)

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

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