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As the World Athletics Championships kick off in Tokyo on September 13, all eyes are on Neeraj Chopra, India’s reigning Olympic and World Champion in javelin throw. Despite a 19-member Indian contingent, Chopra stands out as the country’s lone realistic medal hope, a testament to his consistency, resilience, and ability to deliver on the biggest stages.
India’s Spotlight on One Man
1. Neeraj Chopra’s journey since his Olympic gold in Tokyo 2021 has been marked by both triumph and tenacity. Despite battling adductor niggles and a coaching transition, he remains India’s most dependable athlete across disciplines.
2. Chopra’s season highlight came at the Doha Diamond League in May, where he breached the elusive 90-meter mark for the first time. Though he was edged out by Germany’s Julian Weber, the throw reaffirmed his elite status.
3. The javelin final on September 18 is expected to reignite the India-Pakistan rivalry, with Arshad Nadeem returning to competition after injury. Nadeem had stunned the field at the Paris Olympics with a 92.97-meter throw, but his current season best is 86.40 meters.
4. Chopra’s biggest challenge may come from Julian Weber, who leads the season with a 91.51-meter throw and has crossed the 91-meter mark three times this year. Brazil’s Luiz Mauricio da Silva is another emerging contender, having breached 91 meters but yet to prove himself under championship pressure.
Technical Adjustments and Coaching Shift
1. Chopra has recently transitioned to working with Jan Zelezny, a former world and Olympic champion, after parting ways with long-time coach Klaus Bartonietz post-Paris Games.
2. According to Athletics Federation of India officials, Chopra has been fine-tuning his timing and release mechanics. These adjustments are expected to enhance his performance at the Championships.
3. Chopra joined the Indian training camp in Tokyo on September 5, allowing him ample time to acclimatize and prepare for the event.
India’s Broader Contingent: Promise and Uncertainty
1. The Indian squad comprises 14 men and 5 women across 15 events, including javelin, long jump, triple jump, steeplechase, and race walking.
2. Long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, returning from a 650-day knee injury layoff, qualified with an 8.06-meter jump and has shown consistent form in recent competitions.
3. Triple jumpers Praveen Chithravel and Abdulla Aboobacker, once considered medal prospects, have struggled to cross the 17-meter mark this season despite strong starts.
4. Jeswin Aldrin, who set a national record of 8.42 meters in 2023, has seen a dip in form with a season best of just 7.83 meters.
5. Middle-distance runner Pooja will compete in both the 800m and 1500m events, while Gulveer Singh will represent India in the 5000m and 10,000m races.
Key Highlights
- Neeraj Chopra remains India’s most consistent and high-performing athlete, with a proven track record in major competitions.
- His 90-meter throw in Doha and strategic coaching shift signal readiness for another podium finish.
- Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem and Germany’s Julian Weber are expected to be his fiercest competitors.
- India’s broader team shows promise but lacks the form and consistency needed for medal contention.
- The javelin throw final on September 18 could be a defining moment for Indian athletics.
As the Championships unfold, Neeraj Chopra’s performance will not only shape India’s medal tally but also reaffirm his legacy as one of the country’s greatest sporting icons.
Sources: MSN India, New Indian Express, Sportstar, Indian Express
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