India’s star javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, is actively working to improve his consistency, specifically aiming to achieve 90-meter throws more regularly in competitions.
Fine-Tuning His Technique
Chopra has pinpointed a specific area in his throwing technique that needs improvement. He explained that during competitive events, he tends to lean too much on his left side. This particular issue, he noted, does not typically occur during his training sessions.
He attributes this momentary lapse to the increased effort he puts in during an actual competition. Addressing this technical flaw is now a priority for him and his coaching team.
The Quest for Consistent 90m Throws
While Neeraj has already breached the 90-meter mark this year, his primary goal is to make such throws a more frequent occurrence. He acknowledged that his throws consistently hover around the 88-89 meter range.
Despite his coach being satisfied with his current performance, Chopra is driven to achieve higher consistency, ensuring he crosses the 90m threshold more often.
Intensive Training Ahead
In preparation for major upcoming events, Chopra is embarking on a rigorous 57-day training program. He will be based in Prague and Nymburk in the Czech Republic, focusing on refining his skills.
This extensive training period is crucial as he gears up for the World Championships, which are set to take place in Tokyo from September 13 to 21. Before the championship, he plans to consult with his coach to identify any suitable preliminary events for preparation.
A Recent Victory at NC Classic
Last week, Neeraj Chopra showcased his prowess by securing a gold medal at the NC Classic event. After a foul on his initial attempt, he quickly found his rhythm, reaching 82.99 meters on his second throw.
He then reclaimed the lead and sealed his victory with an impressive 86.18-meter throw on his third attempt, delighting the nearly 15,000 spectators in Bengaluru. Kenya’s Julius Yego finished second, with Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage coming in third.
Overcoming Challenges and Expectations
Following his win, Chopra admitted he wasn’t entirely pleased with the distance achieved, but he understood the impact of the strong winds present during the competition. He expressed satisfaction with the victory, especially considering the mental pressure.
Performing in front of a home crowd, particularly after competing in two prior events, added to the expectations. Despite the challenges, he was content to deliver a winning performance.
- Neeraj Chopra is focusing on correcting a technical issue: leaning too much to his left during competition throws.
- His main ambition is to consistently achieve 90-meter javelin throws, moving beyond his current 88-89m range.
- He will undergo a 57-day training camp in the Czech Republic as a key part of his preparation for the World Championships in Tokyo.
- Chopra recently won the NC Classic with a throw of 86.18 meters, navigating challenging windy conditions and high expectations.
With a clear path for technical refinement and dedicated training, Neeraj Chopra is poised to elevate his performance and make a significant mark in the upcoming global athletic events.
