Neeraj Chopra believes in India's journey in Diamond League, says 'Nothing is Impossible' in Paris Olympics

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India's top javelin throwers are gearing up with optimism for the outdoor season, which starts with the Diamond League in Doha on May 10.

World and Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, along with Kishore Jena, leads India's charge. Their journey also includes preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics, following a historic performance at the Hangzhou Asian Games. Both athletes have their sights set on the Summer Olympics, with Chopra expressing hope for a third team member, DP Manu, to qualify as well.

Chopra, reflecting on past achievements and the progress of the Indian javelin throw, shared his optimism for Paris.

"There was a time when I was not even sure of qualifying for a world championship but see how times have changed. In Budapest last year, we had three Indians (out of the top six) in the finals and that has made us believe we are no less than the Europeans who have dominated world javelin for so long. We have to take this Budapest belief forward and in Paris anything is possible," Chopra was quoted as saying by SAI Media.

DP Manu, currently 11th in the Road to Paris rankings, aims to secure his place for the 2024 Olympics. Despite not meeting the qualifying standard as of yet, his recent win at the Indian Grand Prix I in Bengaluru signifies his potential. Under the guidance of coach Kashinath Naik, Manu continues to strive toward the qualification mark.

The Government of India, through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, has notably supported the trio of Chopra, Jena, and Manu, investing over 4.87 Crore INR in their training and preparation for the Olympics. This support highlights the nation's commitment to achieving excellence in athletics.

Chopra credited his success to meticulous planning, including choosing the right competitions and training facilities across the globe. His approach towards preparation involves minimal travel, optimal acclimatization, and a proper diet.

"After Tokyo, I found out how international athletes plan their schedule and choose their training centres so that there is minimum travel, quicker acclimatisation and proper diet leading up to a major event," he added.

Despite the challenges of adapting to different cuisines, Chopra, known for his love of traditional Indian desserts, emphasizes the importance of diet in his regimen. His journey is not just about physical training but also about making dietary adjustments to achieve his goals.

As the athletes move forward from Doha, Chopra highlighted the role of "belief" in their journey, yet he remains cautious about the unpredictability of sports.

"It will be on how we do on that day. I strongly believe we all are training hard and doing a Budapest encore is not impossible," Chopra concluded.