Stop pushing Neeraj Chopra into 90-metre javelin throw debate again and again

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Talk of shifting the goalpost, Neeraj Chopra also seems to have joined the club as well. For millions of athletics buffs who have heard the double Olympic medallist speak at press conferences -- real and virtual -- in the last one year, the Paris Olympics 'silverware hero' has always harped on winning being more important than that magical distance of 90 metres.

Yet, on Saturday, when Neeraj Chopra spoke to the media at a virtual press meet organised by JSW, it was surprising how he mentioned throwing "two or three metres" more was no big deal.

Rewind to August 8, 2024, when Neeraj had just one legitimate throw, his second, the distance registered was 89.45 metres in the Paris Olympics final. It sufficed for a silver medal in a field where other than Pakistan's rampaging Arshad Nadeem, the rest were playing catchup.

The pressure was intense for all the javelin throwers at the Stade De France arena on that day, where an evening nip in the air and floodlights presented a challenge as well. Neeraj, himself, had said conditions between August 6, the day of qualifying, and August 8 would be different.

That it turned out to be as different as cheese and chalk is well-chronicled now. Yes, Neeraj winning a silver is historic and as India's lone double medallist in track and field, he is a legend, a pantheon.

What is now a bit hard to digest is Neeraj stating he can throw over 90 metres. Nobody doubts the capability of Neeraj, really. The doubts are in his own mind as he has been battling a groin injury for over eight months. That the Indian icon preserved himself for Paris 2024 is a tribute to his perseverance and how the team managed him conservatively. All those who watched Neeraj on August 8 will agree, five foul attempts were bizarre.

How and why did it happen? No, it was not pressure. Reality is, Neeraj Chopra was more worried about his groin injury and he was unable to accelerate on his run-up and then launch the javelin into orbit. That he managed one good throw was proof of his champion mindset which resulted in a silver medal. Neeraj spoke the same night (August 8) about his groin injury and how he had to be careful.

Back to the press conference this Saturday, Neeraj has given the impression all his medical problems are getting sorted. If that is the case, can Neeraj Chopra push past the 90-metre mark in the Diamond League meets which are coming up soon? Neeraj Chopra is preparing for it, though people close to him from the AFI -- Athletics Federation of India -- vouch that if is able to compete in two meets, even that would be a big thing. It is well-known, that Neeraj Chopra is the brand ambassador for Switzerland and for him to compete in the Lausanne meet is a must, on August 22.

All eyes will be on Neeraj again. No, not because of his 90 metres effort, which may not happen. People crave to see Neeraj in action and to what level he has been able to manage his body. A groin injury or a hamstring injury is a recurrent thing. Contrary to perception, surgery is the last option. What works better is prolonged rest and letting it heal. The think-tank of Neeraj Chopra never pushed him too hard before the Paris 2024 Olympics. Again, the same think-tank will ensure he does nothing crazy where he could again aggravate the injury.

The reality is, an elite athlete like Neeraj knows and listens to his body. For him to have missed returning to India for the August 15 celebrations at Red Fort in New Delhi and focus on his rest, training and competing in important events before the season ends is a sign of maturity. If lessons are to be learnt from Neeraj Chopra in a positive way, there are so many. He is a champion who is mature and still so humble. He is a champion who is willing to share his secrets with fellow athletes as well, even if they are not from track and field. After all, that one photo of Neeraj and Manu Bhaker captured in one frame in Paris led to such lousy captions and headlines.

Neeraj may have spoken of getting ready quickly for the final fling with the javelin in 2024 and making a mark. Fans must remember, Neeraj Chopra has nothing left to prove to anyone. His 'peaking' cycle from the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia till Paris 2024 has been mind-blowing.

There is one more Olympic cycle left in him, which can climax in 2028 in Los Angeles. Till then, do not expect Neeraj Chopra to become a machine and keep delivering results. The 90-metre plus efforts can wait. Allow him to rest and heal. Please allow him to rejoice when he returns to India and soaks in the celebrations.

He has pushed so hard all these years, Neeraj needs some privacy and rest as well. And if his well-wishers in the AFI are to be believed, a break till the 2025 season may be in order. Hopefully by then, he will have no groin injury to worry him when he runs, accelerates and flings the javelin.

The author is a senior journalist with over 30 years of experience in media