‘Bhai, meri injury ho gayi hai’: How Neeraj Chopra’s phone call landed Yashvir Singh a spot at the Asian Games

NEW DELHI: Yashvir Singh was lying on his bed at his home in Jaipur after a rigorous training session with his father Rai Singh when his phone rang.It was Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra.Yashvir had no idea why Chopra was calling. He picked up the phone, not knowing that the interview would bring him an opportunity he hadn’t expected – a place in the Indian Asian Games team.Chopra was ruled out of the Asian Games after suffering an ankle ligament injury. During the call, he asked Yashvir to speak to the federation and be ready to take his place in the Indian javelin team for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.“At that time I was training and at home. I was resting when Neeraj bhai called me. He said, ‘Brother, I have sustained an injury. Talk to them further so that your name can be considered in my place.’ Yashvir told TimesofIndia.com.“Then my name was mentioned,” he added.

From surprise call-up to Asian Games debut

The Asian Games call-up came as a surprise to Yashvir, but his recent performances have put him in contention for a place in the squad. Yashvir won the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with a personal best of 85.41m. Chopra finished second in the same event.Yashvir’s bronze came after a dramatic final throw. He spoke to Chopra before the final attempt and then said to himself, “aaj to aar ya paar”.“He motivated me a lot before the competition. We also spoke before my last throw,” said Yashvir.He then set a personal best of 85.41m and finished on the podium.

“It will also come at the Asian Games”

With Chopra out of the Asian Games, Yashvir joins Rohit Yadav in the Indian men’s javelin team. His throw of 85.41 in Glasgow gave him confidence, but Yashvir knows he will face another big challenge in Aichi-Nagoya.After seeing his name in the Asian Games lineup, Yashvir spoke to Chopra again. The Olympic medalist encouraged him to seize the opportunity.“He told me, ‘You did well at the Commonwealth Games. Now try to do well at the Asian Games. Try to win a medal and give it 100 per cent.’ Yashvir said.Yashvir believes his preparation is on track and hopes to add another medal to his cabinet.“I’ve been focusing a lot on my technique. I’m also physically fit. Now I just have to go out there and perform. My dream is to do well,” he said.For Yashvir, the opportunity may have come unexpectedly, but he knows what he has to do when he picks up the javelin again – to give his all and fight for another medal in Aichi-Nagoya.