Upbeat Neeraj Chopra not wary about burden of expectations

Chopra is widely tipped to add the Asian Games gold to his triumph at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games earlier this year. Photo: Paul Abraham

Jakarta: Neeraj Chopra, the hottest property in Indian athletics, is confidence personified.

The 20-year-old javelin thrower is widely tipped to add the Asian Games gold to his triumph at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games earlier this year.

Neeraj, who is having a superb season, has notched up the best five throws in Asia this season.

He has booked his spot in the season-ending Diamond League finals in Zurich which will follow the Asian Games.

Neeraj was the picked by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to carry the national flag during the Opening Ceremony of the Asian Games in Jakarta.

"It was nice of the IOA to have given me the honour to be the flag-bearer. I feel they have rewarded me for my performances and I greatly appreciate that gesture," Neeraj told Onmanorama during a practice session at the Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex here.

Neeraj said he was not worried about the burden of expectations on his shoulders. "There is no pressure as such. I have been practising well and I hope to give my best."

Chinese Taipei's Cheng Chao-tsun, who has a personal best of 91.36m, is expected to be Neeraj's main rival at Jakarta.

Neeraj is also hopeful of excelling at the Diamond League finals despite not much time between the two competitions." I will leave on August 28 and I will do my best in Zurich."

Upbeat Neeraj Chopra not wary about burden of expectations
Neeraj was picked by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to carry the national flag during the Opening Ceremony of the Asian Games in Jakarta.

The Asian Games javelin final is slated for August 27.

Coach's take

Neeraj's coach Uwe Hohn is all attention as his ward goes through his sprints at the ground. The German is the only man to have broken the 100m barrier and holds the world record with his effort of 104.8m achieved in 1984.

He believes Neeraj, who has a personal best of 87.43 set in Doha this year, will soon enter the 90m club. "He should be there soon, maybe next year."

Hohn too is optimistic about Chopra's chances in Zurich despite the cramped schedule. "He should be fine. He will leave on 28th and after a good night's rest he should be ready (for the finals)," he added.

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