How Neeraj Chopra’s javelin helped Rohit Yadav win bronze at the Asian Games

Rohit Yadav (Image credit: X) NEW DELHI: When Rohit Yadav stepped onto the court in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan for the Asian Games javelin final, he was carrying more than just a piece of sports equipment. In his hand was an autographed javelin belonging to Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra – a silent gesture of support that will see him on the international stage.The story began in June when Yadav won gold at the National Inter State Senior Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar with a personal best of 87.05m. After returning to his training base at NIS Patiala, he found that his preferred javelin had bent, apparently during air transport in a protective PVC tube in the cargo hold of the plane.Yadav subsequently competed at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with borrowed equipment and finished seventh with 81.56m in cold and windy conditions. With the Asian Games approaching, he faced the prospect of competing without his trusty javelin.“I did not have my own javelin for the Asian Games. My preferred one was damaged and bent. I spoke to Neeraj bhai when I was coming from Patiala to Delhi on September 10 for the final series of Indian athletics,” Yadav told TOI.“We were in regular contact. I knew he had returned to India for rehabilitation. I told him that I didn’t have my own javelin for the Asian Games. He immediately came to my rescue and sent me one of his autographed javelins by private taxi to the Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium,” he added.Chopra withdrew from the rest of the season, including the Asian Games, to recover from an ankle ligament injury. His absence left India without its two-time defending champion, but his gesture ensured fellow Indian hurlers had the equipment they needed.However, there was a catch. Yadav could not use the javelin in Delhi as it was not registered with the Technical Information Center (TIC) for inspection. He borrowed another registered tool at the event and then carefully wrapped Chopr’s gift for Japan.“At the Asian Games, I registered two javelins with TIC. But I used the one given to me by Neeraj bhai. I had a good grip and held it and with that javelin I made the winning throw and secured the bronze with 84.35m,” he said.“I will remain grateful to Neeraj bhai. I have kept that spear with me and will use it in future competitions.”After his competition, Rohit heard Chopra’s congratulatory voicemail.“He told me to enjoy the win and enjoy my first major international medal. He said that when he is back fully fit we will compete together and that I have a long way to go.”Back home in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, Yadav is enjoying the off-season to spend time with family until Diwali.“I want to get into the Diamond League, compete internationally and qualify for the World Championships next year. The ultimate goal remains the Olympics in Los Angeles,” he added.