Neeraj Chopra says ‘there's still a lot left in me' after Paris Olympics silver medal

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In the wake of his remarkable silver medal win at the Paris Olympics 2024, Neeraj Chopra has shared his thoughts and reflections on the competition, his performance, and the evolution of the javelin throw in Asia.

Neeraj Chopra's silver medal came after a fierce contest with Arshad Nadeem, who set a new Olympic record with a throw of 92.97m. Chopra's best throw of 89.45m secured him the second spot, with Grenada's Peters Anderson finishing third with a throw of 88.54m.

Speaking candidly about his experience, Chopra expressed both personal pride and sportsmanship towards his rival, Arshad Nadeem, who clinched the gold medal.

"I had faith in myself. After Arshad's throw, I believed in my second attempt. Despite the injury, I pushed myself, and my throw was good. There's still a lot left in me, and I need to stay fit for it. I can achieve it, and even though I haven't thrown 90m yet, I believed I will do it in my second attempt. However, holding the Indian flag and winning a medal is a significant achievement," Chopra said, highlighting his determination and ongoing commitment to the sport despite the challenges.

Reflecting on his competition with Arshad Nadeem, Chopra acknowledged his rival's hard work and excellence. "Arshad threw exceptionally well and put in a lot of hard work. We should congratulate those who perform well. I have been competing against him since 2016, and this is the first time he has defeated me. But this is part of sports. We have to accept it and move on," Chopra noted. His words underscore the spirit of camaraderie and respect that defines true sportsmanship.

'It was one of the greatest javelin competitions in history' - Neeraj Chopra on his battle with Arshad Nadeem

Neeraj Chopra also spoke about the significance of having two Asian athletes on the javelin throw podium, marking a historic moment where no European finished on the podium. "It's a positive development. Previously, javelin wasn't prominent in this part of the world. We had talented throwers from India, but we didn't achieve success at the Olympic and World Championship levels. It's encouraging that javelin throw is growing in India, Pakistan, and other countries. It will provide a roadmap for aspiring athletes," he remarked, emphasizing the growing prominence of javelin throw in the region.

On the intensity of the competition, Chopra reflected, "It was one of the greatest javelin competitions in history. Arshad threw remarkably well. I was also in good shape, but my runway conditions were challenging, and I could only achieve one valid throw out of six. Nevertheless, I am pleased to have won a medal for my country. Congratulations to Arshad and all the other throwers."

His statement reveals the challenges and high standards of the event, celebrating both his own achievements and those of his competitors.