Neeraj Chopra good enough for Los Angeles 2028 Olympics

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Neeraj Chopra defines effort as well as patience but on a windy Thursday night at the Stade De France, the javelin king was struggling.

For those viewing from the stands, to see the boy sporting a bandana and charging in to fling the javelin, it was a great sight. The Paris Olympics arena was throbbing with energy and life as track events were also blazing, with the 200m just about to be settled.

One look at Neeraj's face, he looked serious. That is the way it should be. He had predicted that conditions would be tough and from qualifying to the final, light conditions, wind speed and all other variables had to be factored. It did not matter to Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, though, whose beast-like burst won him gold. Neeraj did not mind it, for, Arshad is his friend from across the border.

But then, Neeraj had his own job to do. The first was a foul, and up went the red flag. Second attempt, Neeraj charged in, the javelin went up in the air and landed on terra firma. The giant scoreboard flashed 89.45 metres. Deep down, Neeraj knew this was his season's best and he could breathe a bit easy. Why? Because apart from Nadeem, the rest of the field looked very mediocre on a big night for javelin lovers.

The remaining four attempts of Neeraj were also fouls, something he never does. He has practised and perfected the technique. The big challenge, how would he handle the pain, in his adductor area. The adductor and groin are sensitive areas. As Neeraj was to say later, there was conservative management, which meant more rest. But could he just rest and not train? This was the crucial job done by the think-tank, ensure Neeraj was not going to aggravate the injury and yet be in good enough shape to fire a medal in Paris 2024.

Sample this, he was being hyped as a gold medal winner and the pressure was weighing him down. Since the time he won a gold medal in Tokyo on August 7, 2021, Neeraj has been perceived as invincible. His unbeaten runs have been incredible, to sustain form for three years was not easy. World Championships, Diamond League Meets, Asian Games and a Federation Cup in Bhubaneswar, Neeraj showed up and would win. People wanted the 90-metre-plus effort from him. And Neeraj has always said winning is more important than the distance.

That was, again, proved right on Thursday night as producing a silver effort was more important than attempting bravado of beast nature which Nadeem uncorked. Compare and contrast the two, Neeraj and Nadeem. Their build is so different, height is different and technique is again so different. Nadeem runs less and uses his upper body power. Neeraj relies on smooth acceleration and a release which has a proper follow through. All this is because he has put in so much effort over the years and is now a champion.

Compare Neeraj with past greats in Indian athletics like Milkha Singh, Gurbachan Singh Randhawa and even PT Usha, Neeraj towers above them. One has to thank the planning which went in from the AFI - Athletics Federation of India - headed by president Adille Sumariwala. He is also the big boss of World Athletics and vice president under Seb Coe. "People must realise Neeraj is a gem, once in a lifetime. Let me assure you, he will be fit and fine for the next season," said Addille Sumariwala.

So, will Neeraj attempt another Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. It all boils down to the hunger he has and how in 2025 he achieves peak fitness. Most important, he has to be preserved. One more attempt at an Asian Games medal in Japan in 2026 is realistic. From there on, he can take it forward. Neeraj has spoken of unfinished goals, which is a good sign. The same has been said by Manu Bhaker. These two Haryanvis could well be in top shape for another Olympics.

Dreaming? No, this is reality.