‘For an athlete, just like a soldier, representing the country defines you'

On Independence Day, Olympic gold medalist and soldier Neeraj Chopra talks about respecting the flag, the discipline of the Army, and why he is determined to stay rooted amidst his newfound fame

- Abhimanyu Mathur

Neeraj Chopra has been in Delhi since he returned from the Tokyo Olympics last week. But in many ways, it is a different city and different country than the one he left, at least for him. Last month, he was a promising athlete known only to core sports fans and journalists. Today, after becoming the first Indian track and field athlete to get an Olympic gold medal, he may well be the most popular person in the country. That’s precisely why when he wants to visit India Gate, he has to do it before the crack of dawn. And even then, he is accosted by several selfie-seekers, mostly cops and paramilitary guards in the heart of India’s capital. It’s the kind of fame only movie stars and cricketers get in India. But Neeraj certainly isn’t complaining. “I’m receiving so much love from people for this medal, which feels really good. People assume I must get annoyed or tired that people are constantly clicking selfies and taking autographs, but it’s not like that. I think if God made me get so much love and respect from people, I should also respect that,” he says. But doesn’t the loss of privacy rankle him? “Yes, there are times when I need to get out for urgent work. If at such a time, people come and ask for selfies and stuff, haath jod kar maafi maang loonga ki kaam hai. I will have to get used to it,” he responds with a smile.

‘JUST LIKE A SOLDIER, FOR AN ATHLETE TOO, REPRESENTING THE COUNTRY DEFINES YOU’