Latest news with #GoldenSpikeAthletics
NDTV
6 hours ago
- Sport
- NDTV
"Don't Want To Put Any Pressure On Myself": Neeraj Chopra On Chasing 90m Throws
As he builds towards his ultimate goal — a top finish at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo — Olympic and World Champion Neeraj Chopra says he isn't placing himself under the pressure of chasing 90-metre throws every time he steps out, though he's quietly confident ahead of the Golden Spike meet in Ostrava on Tuesday. 'I feel good, but I don't want to put any pressure on myself for 90m. But I'll try really hard,' Chopra said told reporters ahead of Tuesday's Golden Spike Athletics meet . 'I've already thrown 90m this year after a little bit more improvement in technique. So let's see when it comes next time, but I am ready.' The 27-year-old javelin superstar, fresh off his Paris Diamond League win (88.16m) over German Julian Weber, is focusing more on technical refinement than chasing numbers every meet. 'Recently we've done a good training in Nymburk (Czech Republic), so I'll do my best here in Ostrava,' he added. Part of Chopra's excitement at competing in Ostrava stems from childhood memories. 'When I was a kid, I watched a lot of videos and photos of athletes like Usain Bolt competing here. I came last year but I didn't compete because of injury,' he recalled. His primary focus, though, remains the World Championships in Tokyo from September 13 to 21 — where he hopes to add to his gold from the previous edition. 'Main goal for the season is obviously World Championships in Tokyo,' said Chopra. The Haryana athlete is also looking forward to a milestone moment on home soil — the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru on July 5. 'This will be my first really serious competition in India with international athletes. I still have to manage a lot of things before competition, but it will be a good experience,' he said. 'Now it would not be good if I say no to people. And I'm happy that now in India people recognise other sports than cricket.' Working with Czech legend Jan Zelezny, the three-time Olympic gold medallist and world record holder, has been a major boost. 'I am really happy to work with such a great athlete and coach,' Chopra said. The growing popularity of their partnership hasn't gone unnoticed. '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 a bit worried about him. But he left to the hotel quickly,' he laughed. Zelezny, for his part, is pleased with the progress. 'I am happy about the situation. It's important for javelin and throws in general, as athletics is not only about sprints,' the Czech great said. 'Neeraj opened the doors to other countries, it's great for our sport.'
Indian Express
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
‘Happy that now in India people recognise other sports than cricket': Neeraj Chopra on organising NC Classic in July
Neeraj Chopra who is set to compete in the Golden Spike Athletics meet at Ostrava on Tuesday, said that his ultimate goal for this year was to win the world championship at Tokyo, set to be held in Tokyo from September 13 to 21. He also shared his thoughts on competing at Ostrava and the Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru in July. '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. 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,' Neeraj said on organizing the NC Classic. The 27-year-old who finished on top of the podium last week at the Paris Diamond League with a throw of 88.16m, refused to be bogged down by the pressure of regular 90m throws. '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. Main goal for the season is obviously World Championships in Tokyo,' he said. Chopra also said a part of his excitement for the Tuesday's event comes from watching on TV, greats like Usain Bolt compete here in the past. '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,' Neeraj said. Chopra, who won gold in 2020 Tokyo Olympics and silver in 2024 Paris, spoke highly about his coach Zelezny. '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 said. (With agency inputs)
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Business Standard
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
Neeraj Chopra targets World Championship glory in Tokyo this season
Indian javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra is stepping into Tuesday's Golden Spike Athletics meet with confidence, eschewing the pressure to consistently hit 90m distances. His main focus this season remains a podium finish at the World Championships in Tokyo. Fresh off his victory at the Paris Diamond League, where he out-threw Julian Weber with a mark of 88.16m, Chopra credits his coach, Czech legend Jan Železný, and his refined technique for the strong early-season form. He's particularly encouraged after surpassing the 90m barrier in Doha. 'Reaching 90m boosted my belief' 'My technique has improved, and reaching 90m boosted my belief,' said the 27-year-old. 'Training in Nymburk went well. I'm ready to give my best in Ostrava.' Chopra, who claimed Olympic gold in Tokyo (2020) and silver in Paris (2024), has set his sights on September's World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where he aims to bring home another medal. Reflecting on growing up idolizing athletes like Usain Bolt at this very venue, Chopra admitted he won't pressure himself into repeating 90m throws this week, but he'll give it his all. He's also excited about hosting the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru on July 5, featuring international competitors. Chopra's coach, Železný, praised his rapid development: 'Neeraj's performance is great for javelin globally. He's opened doors for the event.' The champion is equally happy to see India's sports landscape expand beyond cricket, noting his rising popularity and influence in athletics.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
World Athletics Championship: 'Already thrown 90m...' Neeraj Chopra aims podium in Tokyo
**FILE PHOTO** Paris: In this Aug. 8, 2024 file photo, India's Neeraj Chopra reacts during the men's javelin throw athletics event at the 2024 Summer Olympics, in Paris, France. The inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic, scheduled to be held on May 24, in Bengaluru, was on Friday, May 9, 2025, postponed indefinitely in view of the ongoing military conflict between India and Pakistan. (PTI Photo/Ravi Choudhary) 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. Poll Do you think Neeraj Chopra will throw over 90m in his upcoming competitions? Yes, definitely Maybe, depends on conditions No, he won't 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 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. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
