PTI
New Delhi, July 27: Disappointed but not disheartened to miss out on a Rio Olympic berth, javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra said Wednesday that he is looking to put in the hard yards to earn India a medal at 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The 18-year-old lad from Panipat created history by becoming the first Indian athlete to become a World Champion at any level when he won a gold medal at the U-20 World Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland, last Saturday. He threw 86.48 metres to create a junior world record and a new national record.
“I was disappointed to miss out on Rio Olympics berth but the federation (AFI) is still trying for a wildcard entry. If it comes through then fine but otherwise I am ready to wait, work hard and win a medal for my country at 2020 Olympics,” Neeraj told reporters.
“I had a back injury in April and it affected my Olympic preparations. At Poland, I had targetted a gold medal but the icing on the cake was eclipsing the world record. My confidence was high for the event. But I never thought I will break the world record,” added the athlete.
Neeraj’s throw makes him the eighth best among all throwers this season, and first among the junior throwers.
“I am from a normal Haryana family. I had to struggle early in my life when I had to travel for long hours but now I am training at Patiala and federation is also sending us to train outside. I will be training for World Championship next year,” he said.
Neeraj’s coach Gary Calvert also praised his student. “He has a superior technique for his age and his whole character, he applies himself better than most. Now we have to go back to the drawing board and get more power and strength to match the men in the world,” stated Calvert.
