Neeraj Chopra ends 2021 season due to packed schedule of travel and bout of illness

Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has decided to end his 2021 season due to a packed schedule and illness. Neeraj recently ended India’s long and agonising wait for a first Olympic athletics gold medal in the prestigious event, delivering a fantastic performance. Neeraj had further become only the second Indian to win an individual gold in the history of the Olympics in Tokyo. The 23-year-old has been on a busy schedule since returning to India, leaving him exhausted.

“Firstly, I want to thank everyone for the love and affection I have received since I came back from Tokyo. I have honestly been overwhelmed by the support from across the country and beyond, and am short of words to express my gratitude to you all,” he said in a message on social media platform Instagram.

“The packed schedule of travel and a bout of illness has meant I have not been able to resume training since Tokyo and therefore, along with my team, have decided to cut short by 2021 competition season to be able to take some time off, recharge and come back stronger for a packed 2022 calendar which includes the World Championships, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. I have been encouraged by all the support to Indian athletics over these past few weeks and would urge you all to keep supporting India and Indian athletics in the months and years to come. Jai Hind,” added Neeraj.

“Would request everyone to not use me to further your vested interests”

The javelin thrower had recently released a video on social media, expressing his disappointment after a certain section of Indians reacted with anger to Pakistan javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, using his javelin ahead of the medal match at the Tokyo Olympics. Neeraj had stated in an earlier interview, that he was searching for his personal javelin before his first throw during the final on August 7 and found Nadeem holding it. The statement was blown out of proportion by some people who accused Arshad of tampering with the javelin.

“I would request everyone to please not use me and my comments as a medium to further your vested interests and propaganda. Sports teaches us to be together and united. I’m extremely disappointed to see some of the reactions from the public on my recent comments,” he stated.

Not many people are aware of the fact that Neeraj was introduced to the sport by his uncle, due to him being unfit.

“My uncle introduced me to sport because I was overweight as a child. I remember all those days going for training. I would just tell myself whatever is happening is fine. My job is to train and I will keep doing that. Now I feel that yes, it was a tough time for me but back then it didn’t feel so tough. I never thought I will stop. My life became occupied with only a couple of things: go to the stadium and practice, come back home, eat, then go back to training,” revealed the 23-year-old in an interaction with Hindustan Times.