First throw, first competition of the year, first place. India’s golden boy Neeraj Chopra kick-started his 2023 season with a first place finish at the Doha Diamond League competition. As is his habit, his first throw sealed the deal for him – Chopra sealed victory with 88.67 m long throw in Doha. He pushed harder in his following throws to breach the much talked about 90 m barrier but in a highly competitive field, in the windy conditions, it was not meant to be. Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch was close on the Tokyo Olympic gold medallist’s heels, throwing 88.63 m, and world champion Anderson Peters’s best attempt was 85.88 m. Despite being unable to breach the 90 m mark, Chopra was satisfied with his season opening performance in the year that will see him in action in Asian Games, Asian Athletics championship and the World Athletics championships.
In an exclusive brief interaction over phone with THE WEEK, Chopra said he was not disappointed on his inability to breach the 90m mark given the conditions and and that he was looking forward to the upcoming competitions. Watched by his management team of JSW Sports led by Manisha Malhotra, Chopra said he was very happy with the way things unfolded in Doha. Excerpts:
How do you feel post your first competition of the season?
I feel very good after this finish. I had prepared well and that was important. Doha is famous for the 90 m long throws but the conditions were challenging this time. There were strong headwinds but I am satisfied it was a very good beginning to the season. It went well; these were different conditions for me and that's why it was satisfying for me to come up with the performance.
The 90 m mark being breached is what everyone is waiting for?
This is being asked since 2018 … (laughs). I had prepared well, but everyone struggled with the conditions here.
You have been consistently throwing above 85-86 m mark that itself is an achievement.
Yes, throwing 88 m was very good. I have been working very hard and it's all going well. There are tough competitions coming up this time - the World Athletics championships, Asian Games and Diamond League finals....
What did your coach tell you before and after the competition?
My coach Klaus Bartonietz was very happy with my performance given the conditions here. He told me it was a good throw and that I focussed well on my technique.
What next in terms of competitions?
I will sit with my team now and decide which events to pick for competition etc. There are big events coming up, so the main focus is to be ready for those.
