Bhubaneswar, Odisha: In a triumphant homecoming, India’s javelin throw sensation Neeraj Chopra clinched the gold medal at the 27th Federation Cup Senior Athletics Championship, captivating the hearts of thousands of adoring fans at the Kalinga Stadium.
Despite the sweltering heat and humidity, Chopra’s presence ignited a feverish excitement among the spectators, who turned out in droves to witness their Olympic champion in action. The 26-year-old, who has been dominating the international circuit with record-breaking performances, showcased his prowess with a best throw of 82.27m, comfortably securing the top spot.
Chopra’s return to the national stage was a momentous occasion, marking his first competitive appearance in front of an Indian crowd since becoming the Olympic champion in Tokyo. The atmosphere was electric as the crowd erupted in thunderous applause upon seeing their hero take the field.
“I am just happy to complete in India after such a long time, and it was great to see that so many people came to support me, “said Chopra, acknowledging the overwhelming support from the fans.
The athlete from Haryana, who has been training in Bhubaneswar since 2020, expressed his fondness for the city, saying, “Bhubaneswar has always been a special place for me.” In 2017, Chopra won the gold medal at the Asian Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar with his last throw of the competition.
While Chopra’s performance on Wednesday was not up to his usual standards, he attributed it to the challenging weather conditions and his recent participation in the Doha Diamond League. “All of you know about the weather conditions. I had planned at the start that would put in effort according to how I was feeling, “he explained.
Despite not reaching his personal best, Chopra’s victory was a testament to his sheer class and dominance in the sport. He urged his compatriots to raise the bar and push each other’s limits, drawing inspiration from the success of German javelin throwers like Andreas Hofmann, Johannes Vetter, and Julian Weber.
“The best thing would be to push each other, as the Germans did. The likes of Andreas Hofman, Johannes Vette,r and Julian Weber all pushed each other’s limits. So, they World Championships. If we Indians push one another, we will enjoy more success in international competitions, “Chopra said.
The overwhelming response from fans at the Federation Cup was a testament to Chpra’s impact on the nation. He has not only elevated the sport of javelin throw to new heights but also become a symbol of hope and inspiration for millions of Indians.
“Neeraj Chopra is our national pride,” declared a fan in his mid-40s, his determination etched on his face. “He has taught me the power of patience in pursuit of success,” confessed a young fan, his eyes sparkling with admiration.
As the sun set on the Federation Cup 2024, it was clear that Neeraj Chopra is more than just a javelin thrower; he is a true champion who has captured the hearts and imaginations of an entire nation. With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, the country eagerly awaits the next chapter in the illustrious career of its golden boy.