Saturday, 7 August 2021, is a historic day every sport-loving Indian will remember the day Neeraj Chopra entered the Olympics Hall of Fame with his gold medal. But there is another date Neeraj will always have in mind on 27 October 2012 he was drafted by the JSW Group, which put him on the road to stardom.
And the rest as they say is history. A star was born! The then project manager and sports talent scout at JSW Sports, Ramadhar Yadav, vividly remembers that day. 'It was the National Junior Athletics Championship in Lucknow. I was there to spot talent to enrol in our project.
Since I have been an athlete myself, I don't believe in just picking out the winner or medal winner. My experience as a runner the man who made history 16 guides me to spot talent or potential irrespective of an athlete's place in the championship.
But Neeraj was different. Not only did he win the gold with a national record of 68.40 metres, he was also an athlete with a bright future.' Yadav had long discussions with the then national coach Bahadur Singh and former javelin throwerturned-coach Kashinath. 'Even though I had made up my mind to take Neeraj on board I wanted to be doubly sure,' said Yadav.
'After all, our company spends crores; we have to be true to their expectations.' After having an initial talk with Neeraj, Yadav offered to support him. 'He was happy, and when I said that he could check my credentials or our company's profile, he said it was fine and signed the agreement.
Neeraj's only response, according to Yadav, was, 'Kuch fayda mil jayega [it will do me some good].
After the agreement was signed JSW started providing him with pocket money and playing kits, among other things.
この記事は Grazia India の July 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Grazia India の July 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Cultural Renaissance
With a vision to bridge Jaipur's artistic legacy and the global contemporary art world, HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh and Noelle Kadar launch the Jaipur Centre for Art
LOVE, LOSS, AND LESSONS LEARNED
In conversation with Durjoy Datta, as he reflects on the emotional toll of writing intense stories, his journey as an author, and how his latest book revisits themes of love, second chances, and loss
All Eyes On THIS
Meet the newest standout brands on Grazia's beauty desk
Is Restocking Our Fridges A New Form Of Self-Care?
All the reasons why #restocking may not be as calming as it seems
SAVOUR THE TASTE OF SOUTHEAST ASIA
In the heart of our capital lies an extraordinary dining experience, unlike any other
ESCAPE THE ORDINARY
Luxury stays are now an essential part of our lives.
CHEFS ON THE LOOSE
Here's How Pop-Ups, Takeovers, and Workshops Are Heating Up the Indian Culinary Scene
NOT SO HIDDEN
What's making everyone wear acne patches, from transparent ones to colourful with bold designs, in public spaces?
RAISING THE BAR
With medi-facials on the rise, we're setting new benchmarks of our expectations from these treatments, and they're delivering
WHAT WORLD ARE WE LEAVING BEHIND FOR HER?
Despite stronger laws, crimes against women continue to rise in India. The International Day of the Girl Child is not one for celebration, but instead, one for igniting concern, awakening, and reformation