Neeraj Chopra On Getting His Namesake Event: 'I'm In A Dream...'
The Neeraj Chopra Classic is scheduled to unfold at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday, featuring a lineup of top-tier athletes. Chopra himself has expressed a commitment to elevating the event's stature in the years to come.
'I feel like I'm in a dream," Chopra stated at a pre-event press conference on Friday. 'Medals are a different thing. But I've given something like this to India and to Indian athletes. I'm very happy about that. This is the beginning of a new chapter in our athletics." He added, 'The support I'm getting from everyone. From the government, from KOA (Karnataka Olympic Association), from World Athletics, from the sponsors… I feel like we can make this event even better."
Chopra articulated a clear vision: to see India host athletic competitions on par with those regularly held in traditional powerhouses like the United States and European nations.
'This is the beginning of international competitions in India," he asserted. 'As we see, there are so many international competitions in Germany and such nations – A category, B, C etc. and every week, there's a competition."
'So, this is what I want in India, as there should be at least 4, 5, 6 competitions which are world class. The athletes should get a chance and people should see them play. That will be very good for our sport," he explained.
'The athlete in me is always up for the competition," Chopra declared. 'That's why I'm trying to manage everything. My team is also handling so many things. But the athlete in me is always up. I'm training hard."
For Chopra, the event transcends personal glory; it represents the realisation of a long-held aspiration for Indian sport. 'I'm very happy that this is finally happening. I was at the gym yesterday and I saw other athletes throwing and that has been my dream. I will say it again that I never thought there would be an event like this.
'I never thought I would represent India and win a medal. All that has happened. Now, there's peace in my mind that something like this is happening."
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