Athletics: Neeraj Chopra on Olympic title defence, competing with Kishore Kumar Jena and more

Three years ago, Neeraj Chopra was one among many athletes hoping to join an elite club of Olympic gold medallists. Cut to 2024, and Chopra is gunning to join an even more elite club; that of multiple athletes with multiple gold medals.

As he looks towards winning back-to-back Olympic gold medals at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, Chopra knows that the weight of expectations has increased. But as he attests to himself, Chopra has matured since that historic day in Tokyo.

“After Tokyo, there was an increase in self belief,” Chopra said at an online press conference.

“I’ve won a gold and silver medal at two World Championships, won the Diamond League trophy and had good throws in the seasons. So the events I have won between Tokyo and Paris has given me confidence that I can compete against good athletes.”

“There’s a saying that the tree which has more fruits bends more. You need to be humble. If I meet kids, I need to behave well and give them time. I feel happy that I have been able to not become arrogant,” he added.

What has not yet changed though is Chopra’s approach. Since 2017, the 26-year-old Haryana native has been asked when he will be able to throw the javelin past...

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