When the national anthem was played, it struck me

INTERVIEW NEERAJ CHOPRA, Olympic gold medallist

- NEERU BHATIA

After he won independent India’s first athletics gold at the Olympics, Neeraj Chopra went home and put on 12kg. His coach, the German Klaus Bartonietz, was miffed, but he knew his pupil would shed the kilos. For, you see, Neeraj Chopra is not one to rest on his laurels, of which there have been many. Only 24, Neeraj is one of the best javelin throwers in the world and arguably one of India’s greatest athletes. And though it might sound hyperbolic, his parabolic pursuits have indeed made him an inspiration to an entire generation of Indian athletes.

Neeraj was not born into a sporting family. The Chopra clan of Khandra village in Panipat consists of the patriarch grandfather, and his four sons and their families, who live together. Neeraj is the eldest grandchild, and has now inspired his cousins to also take up sport. The villagers, too, come to him for advice on where to send their children to train.

This year has been hectic for Neeraj. Not only did he compete in several international events, he added to his list of achievements by winning the silver medal at the World Athletics Championships and also became the first Indian to win a Diamond League final.

And, unlike after the Olympics, the downtime this year was not as relaxing. Yes, there was mom’s food, but he made sure he stayed within his ideal weight range by training at home. Also, it helps that his father and uncles do not let him just chill—he has to do farm work and other chores.

When out of Panipat, he was busy with ad shoots for the several brands he endorses. Managed by JSW Sports on and offthe field, Neeraj has more than 10 brands in his kitty, ranging from sportswear to edutech companies. He also recently did a promotional video for the Marvel film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.