They blush at the very mention of each other's names, just like high school sweethearts would, but insist they are just "good friends" when asked about one another. On Monday evening, while wrestler Vinesh Phogat was locked in battle with Japanese opponent Yuki Irie in the final of the 50kg event at the Jakarta Convention Centre Assembly Hall, India's star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was a concerned spectator in the stands — literally standing and watching throughout the six-minute contest.

Interestingly, Neeraj had a practice session the same evening at the GBK Sports Complex, not very far from here. He was not supposed to make it for Vinesh's bout, but somehow managed to get there. "I had a training session just now, so I'm a little late, but I'm glad that I did not miss this final," Neeraj told mid-day during Vinesh's final.
It is learnt that Vinesh, 23, too was a keen spectator in the stands when Neeraj threw his spear across 86.47m to win gold at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia earlier this year.