New Delhi, Sep 9 : Ace Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra believes it’s important that Indian athletes in track and field begin to make their presence felt in large numbers at international competitions.He also said that he often is lonely as the sole athlete from India competing in major events like the Diamond League.Chopra The World Championships silver medallist, completed his stellar season by claiming the title in the Wanda Diamond League Final in Zurich on Thursday.He became the first Indian to take home the Diamond League Final Trophy.Chopra’s throw of 88.84 meters was enough to secure the title.
Female long-jumper Anju Bobby George was the winner of its predecessor – the World Athletics Finals, as it was then called -the World Athletics Finals in 2005.Anju initially took silver in that event, but her prize was elevated to gold after a couple of years as the Russian winner of the event was found guilty of a doping offense.
Thus, Neeraj is the first Indian to be awarded the Diamond League Trophy.
The world champion also pleaded with the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) to give athletes with more opportunities to compete in international competitions and also assist them with international training trips.
Excerpts:
Do you ever feel isolated as the only Indian playing in top competitions, like the Diamond League?
A: It’s remarkable that despite Indian athletes performing very well in the Commonwealth Games and the World Championships I was the sole Indian participating in Zurich (Wanda Diamond League Final).I have seen other nations have teams of athletes who compete in different disciplines.
I would like India to also send a large contingent to these events.
Q What do you consider to be the ideal roadmap for more Indians taking part in major events, like the Olympics and the Asian Games?
A: I believe that more Indian athletes should be involved in international competitions (in order to be able to compete in the Olympics) and they are doing very well and are participating in many of local events.I would like to urge the AFI, SAI (Sports Authority of India) and (sports) ministry to encourage more Indians to take part in international events.We require more Indians to compete with top athletes in world-class competitions, so that we can be better in events such as the Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
It’s great to know knowing that many there are other Indian athletes are performing well, as they did in the CWG and our athletes performed well in the World Championships too, though they were not able to reach the top ten.I’ll request the national Federation to provide them with more opportunities to compete in international competitions and assist them with overseas training trips.Facilities are getting better in India and we are soon going to have indoor competitions and training facilities.Therefore, we should be able reap the rewards of international events soon.
Q What do you plan to do from here , after winning the gold in the Diamond League Final Trophy?
A According to my schedule that I had set at the beginning of the year, this was the final competition of the year.I was planning to participate in the Asian Games (in Hangzhou) at this time, but it was delayed.
My season comes to an end with the Zurich event.
The dates of the National Games were announced recently (September 27-October 10, at six locations in Gujarat).I’ve spoken to my coach, and he recommended that I stay clear of the games to get some rest and get ready for a pivotal season in the coming year.
Q How do you prepare for the World Championships 2023 to be held from August 17 to August 27 in Budapest and the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, in September, how do you plan to prepare for a busy season? Additionally, the qualification program for Paris 2024 will begin next year, and gaining momentum in the lead-up to the Olympics is always an excellent idea.
A Relaxation and recreation are crucial for athletes, and we should not only think about medals and competitions.The body is subjected to lots of strain and wear over an entire season and getting enough rest in the off-season is essential.
So, after a successful off-season, I’m hoping to be back in competition next year feeling refreshed.
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