'The 90 meter throw is more for everyone in India than just myself', Says Neeraj Chopra

Minutes after the competition ended in Doha, Neeraj Chopra was engulfed by a huge crowd of Indian fans who had turned up to support him.

It was then that my colleague, Abhijit Deshmukh, was able to meet up with the champion. As the only Indian journalist to make it to Doha for the Diamond League, Abhijit's initial question was the inevitable one on the magical 90-meter mark.

The response of Neeraj was of an emotional nature: "I was expecting it to be around the corner. This one is beyond me for India. I had come close many times with 88 or 89 meter attempts but 90 meter was not being breached. At last it happened and I am certain there are even bigger throws around the corner. The season has begun and things will pick up."

This is the new Neeraj Chopra face—so much more serene, far calmer, and completely at home with himself. Paris had not been kind to him. Entering the Olympics as the hot favorite, banking on a mind-boggling qualification throw of 89.34 meters, the eventual outcome was a shock to all. Everyone could feel the pressure of the moment. There were whispers of him needing surgery after Paris. But Neeraj did not allow the process to be hurried and took a well-deserved break instead. He trained during that time with Jan Zelezny, the great thrower who has breached the 90-meter mark on 52 occasions.

"He has made minor adjustments to my technique. He said that we don't need to do too many changes so we are attempting to make minor adjustments. I am quite confident that with him being in my corner and these minor adjustments which we are implementing, things can only improve from here onwards," Neeraj told at the conclusion of the event last evening.

By that time, there was a massive crowd of Indian supporters around him, all seeking a selfie or an autograph. When questioned regarding the crowd support, Neeraj's face lit up with a huge smile. "Wherever I go and compete I have a massive number of Indian supporters coming to watch me. In Doha it has always been the same and I must say it feels great to see them smiling," he maintained.

Among Neeraj's most lovable qualities is his sportsmanship. When questioned about Julian Weber, his answer was true to his nature as an athlete: "Julian Webber congratulated me after the 90 meter throw and I told him he was throwing very well and it could happen for him too. It did and I am very happy for him.". There is ample healthy competition available and that's the most thrilling aspect of the sport at present. But I am ready," he smiled.

What awaits Neeraj?

"Whatever I needed to do has now been accomplished. The 90 meter mark had to be broken. Now it has been broken and the debate has been resolved.". There were a few who believed that I would not be able to achieve it. I was within reach for 7 years from 2018-2025. Now all that is completed. What I will do now is keep raising the bar. Do it every time for the tri colour. For as long as I play I will always keep my country proud because that's the best for an athlete," Neeraj concluded.

We are witnessing one of India's all-time greats in action here. With every time that he steps onto the pitch, it is imperative that we notice and accept his record-breaking success.