Hindustan Times ST (Jaipur) - Hindustan Times (Jaipur) - City
BIOPIC ON ME YET
The Tokyo Olympics gold medallist aims for future victories, says a biopic can wait until he retires
Neeraj Chopra’s outstanding performance at the Tokyo Olympics has made him the nation’s sweetheart! But, the javelin thrower is still in disbelief. “Pehla medal hai track and field mein, woh bhi gold. I can’t describe how I’m feeling. I felt very proud when I was on the podium with the gold medal and the national anthem was playing,” says Chopra, who believes the future seems bright for athletics.
Ever since the 23-year-old from Panipat walked off the field with the Tricolour on his back, there have been talks about what Chopra’s biopic would look like. And it becomes crucial to ask the bigger question: Who would he like to portray him onscreen? Sceptical of any biopic being made on him just now, he says it can wait. “I believe there are more stories to be added to my journey. I want to win more medals. Jab tak career chal raha hai tab tak ruk jana chahiye (for the biopic). I’d like it if a biopic is made on me, but after my journey is over and I retire from sports,” he explains.
Delighted at the love he received on social media — his Instagram followers shot up by millions — Chopra says, “I saw I’ve gained many followers on social media. I use social media very sparingly, to share about competitions or exercise videos. It feels good to know that so many people watched my game and appreciated my performance.”
Soon after his victory, the athlete had dedicated his medal to legendary athletes late Milkha Singh, and PT Usha.
“I had watched Milkhaji’s videos where he said he wanted someone from India to win a gold at Olympics. When I was on the stage, I was thinking how he isn’t with us anymore lekin unka sapna pura hua. PT Usha ma’am had also lost out on a medal by a whisker,” says Chopra.
A subedar with the 4 Rajputana Rifles in the Indian Army, Chopra wants to head home now. “I’m waiting to have maa ke haath ka khana and celebrate with my family. Then, I’ll start training again,” he says, adding that the medal made up for his earlier disappointments. “Everything I had endured, whether it was my elbow injury or the pandemic, this single moment made me feel like all my hard work has paid off. Standing in the field, with a gold medal, the Indian flag in front of me, I forgot all my problems,” Chopra concludes.
I believe there are more stories to be added to my journey. I want to win more medals. NEERAJ CHOPRA, Javelin thrower