Neeraj Chopra scorches with an 89.49 metres effort to win silver in Lausanne Diamond League Meet

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Man, machine or marvel, you decide. On Thursday night, Neeraj Chopra once again showed that when it comes to handling injuries and preserving himself, he is the master.

In a tough field even minus Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, the poster boy of Indian athletics threw everything he had into that final fling to register 89.49 metres and win silver, behind Anderson Peters (Grenada) at 90.61 metres, at the Wanda Diamond League meet in Lausanne.

It seems like yesterday, Neeraj had won silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics with just one good attempt of 89.45 metres. That was on August 8 in chilly Paris, where Neeraj was struggling. After all, barring the second attempt which fetched him a silver medals, the rest were fouls.

After that, all talk has been on how Neeraj manage his body, his groin injury and put mind over matter. Even during an online media interaction very recently, Neeraj had spoken of how the elusive 90-metre mark was just a matter of time.

For those who have watched Neeraj Chopra over the years, this is one success story which keeps getting repeated. How he keeps adding one more layer is mind blowing, defying the law of averages. Sample this, Arshad Nadeem won a big gold medal in Paris and flew back to Pakistan to celebrate.

It is a big moment for him and the nation. Neeraj did nothing like that. Those fortunate to interact with him in Paris and later will vouch, when it comes to preserving himself and prioritising important matters, it is performance which matters.

The way Neeraj started on Thursday was not good at all. Given his lofty standards, Neeraj was warming up with initial throws in the 80 to 83 metres ranges. It was way below what was needed on a big stage like the Diamond Meet where the 'throwers’ prepared to peak.

The highs or the lows of the Olympics are forgotten and celebrations can wait. Sample this, Neeraj and his think-tank in the AFI – Athletics Federation of India – decided it would be best he focussed on the Diamond League rather than return to India and celebrate.

Neeraj justified that decision and faith in his own body, mind and soul as he prepared for the best at the end in Lausanne. It was kind of embarrassing that even his fifth throw, the second last, was only 85.58 metres.

No, Neeraj was waiting to explode, like dynamite. The 26-year-old began his runway, accelerated and then flung the javelin. Wow. People rubbed eyes in disbelief as Neeraj’s throw landed at the magical 89.49 metres mark. For the second time running at two different meets, Neeraj had hit personal bests. The first was in Paris 2024 (89.45 metres) and now in Lausanne.

For those not familiar, Neeraj and Lausanne are a famous pair. He is the brand ambassador for Switzerland and it was imperative how he would keep himself fit for the big event. At the press conference last week, Neeraj had talked of how hitting the 90-metre mark would not be beyond his reach.

It sent confusing signals as Neeraj had also spoken of his groin injury. The Neeraj in Paris and the Neeraj in Lausanne were different versions. Perhaps, it is that streak of madness or wanting to prove himself again and again, Neeraj produced that classic effort with the final attempt, his sixth, which grabbed eyeballs.

Had Neeraj decided he would not think of groin pain and produce a magical effort or had he decided this was make or break? Whichever way you want to interpret it, Neeraj coming close to the 90-metres mark is finite proof he is not talking hyperbole.

For a young man who has matured into a true champion and won two Olympic medals in track and field, if Neeraj has set a big bench mark, no Indian can match it. More important, what he is doing is showing the world what matters is despite not being fit a 100 per cent, he can still deliver. He trusts his team and how they manage his workload. After all, only those who get satisfied easily will win an Olympic medal and rush back to celebrate.

The way Neeraj has handled emotions and kept himself calm, it is a lesson for all. How to stay humble and be reverential to the sport which has put India on the global map in athletics. Neeraj spoke of how it was hard, initially, to be touching only around 83 metres. What he did to produce that one fling, where from 85.58 metres to 89.49 metres he could show that gravity-defying burst was defining.

The sceptics will again ask when Neeraj will break the 90 metres mark. Some will also ask if he is “fit” and can compete. Neeraj has provided all answers. Perhaps, the last effort at the season-ending Diamond League finals in Brussels on September 13-14 will be his chance to show all fans, he was born to embrace greatness.