Confident Neeraj ready for the big season ahead
Neeraj Chopra will kick off his Olympic defence year at the Diamond League next month. The World champion is aware of the pressure of expectations, and is confident in his own abilities. Ahead of the seasonopener in Doha, Neeraj spoke from his base in Turkey about his training so far, the season ahead and the competition.
On working with strength and conditioning coach Spencer MacKay:
I had earlier worked with Spencer (S&C head coach at Inspire Institute of Sports) in 2019 after my elbow injury and surgery and it was very useful. We have been working together for the last 23 months The strength and fitness training is mainly before the actual season starts, when javelinspecific training is more in focus, which we have begun now. It has been good, we worked on certain exercises to increase strength.
On the 90m mark at Paris:
The training has been good so hopefully, it can happen before the Olympics also but for me, consistency is important. I always try to maintain my level in every tournament before trying to go beyond a certain mark. For consistent performance, consistent training is the key. Managing your travel, diet and training is very important. Sometimes conditions can be challenging but the goal is to maintain your performance.
On challenging conditions: Heat doesn’t bother me as much as cold weather — you have to constantly stay active to keep your body warm between throws. But whatever the conditions, you have to be prepared. I have competed in rain and strong winds because eventually, it is the same for everyone.
You have to be mentally prepared for every condition, otherwise you have lost even before the competition starts. Doha is known for long throws but there is also a lot of wind. If it assists you, great. If it is against you, you struggle. Last year it was in your face. Let’s see how it goes this year.
On the prize money announced by World Athletics and given by government:
From what I have heard it’s only for the gold medalists at Paris for now. But I think it is a good move and a start. Hopefully they will start it in other big events also like the World Championships, Diamond Leagues and Continental events.
As for what the government gives, let’s accept it, money is important. Many of our athletes come from normal families and spend a lot on training, so it’s good to get financial help. There is not much in athletics compared to other sports but when you get something, it feels good.