After winning the Back-to-Back titles in Paris Diamond League and Ostrava Golden Spike, Neera Chopra is back in India and is preparing for one of the most important events of his season-Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025.
Before the event, a double Olympic medalist, he completed some time of training to talk to the official broadcasters of the Soutyar. In a relaxed conversation, Neeri spoke of his inspirations, his admiration for cricket and what he was trying to bring to his own sport.
Asked by the cricket, he could have named the former Australian stimulus of Bret Lee. “I heard that Brett Lee was a javelin throw. I think the spear could throw well, especially when he was in his peak years.”
He also expressed his interest in trying a spear beside the Indian Spearhead Jasprit Bumhrah. “I would also like to try Javelin with Jasprit Bumhrah and hope to teach me some bowling skills. While bowling and javelin are both thrown, they are very different. I would like to learn from Bumhrah.”
After his victory in Paris, Neera was asked by an American media sales to see if he had ever tried cricket bowling, given the similarity in the approach. He explained that while both actions include starting, releasing in Javelin is directed up while the cricket ball is supplied down. He added that he would like to try his hand on baseball pitching at some point.
Neej asked who Kricte’s superpower would want to perfect spears, said: “Sachin Tendulkar. He represented our country so well for many years and made so many records for us.
He was also asked if he had any preliminary rituals. “I try to stay on the day of my action in peace. I don’t think too much. I just focus on giving my 100%. I try to stay relaxed, eat good food and rest well.”
When Neej asked about the best advice he received, he remembered the interview with his coach Jan Elezn, who still holds the world record Javelin. “Whenever I throw, I stay very energetic, but tells me I have to run in the stream. It shouldn’t feel firm-I should run like an 18-year-old child without any tension. I slowly understand the concept of the flow.”
On the tennis court, Roger Federer drew a comparison with the style of effortlessly. “He played with such grace and rhythm that he never dreamed of making too much effort. I try to bring it to my training.”
With the classic Neer Chopra around the corner, the Olympic champion is focused, grounded and ready – with monuments for more than just distance.
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Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
June 30, 2025
