Having shrugged off the disappointment of missing out on a Rio Olympics berth, junior javelin world record holder Neeraj Chopra is looking to put in an extra effort to make his country proud at the 2020 Tokyo Games
Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra during an event in the city on Saturday
Having shrugged off the disappointment of missing out on a Rio Olympics berth, junior javelin world record holder Neeraj Chopra is looking to put in an extra effort to make his country proud at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra during an event in the city on Saturday. Pic/Datta Kumbhar
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The 18-year-old from Panipat broke the junior world record as well as the national record at the 2016 IAAF World U-20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland, where he threw 86.48 metres and won gold in the process.
Rio disappointment
However, even after the feat, Chopra failed to book his seat to Rio as his record came just a few days after the qualification deadline (July 18).
"I was disappointed not to go to Rio. It would have been good for my development. But I have moved on,” said Chopra on Saturday on the sidelines of an event to promote a half marathon organised by NGO Aapan Sare. The six-footer has now set his sights on breaking the eight-year-old Olympic record of 90.57 metres set by Norwegian Andreas Thorkildsen during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
"While the world record is a good 12 metres away, I believe I can break it at the Tokyo Olympics. It would be tough but I will do everything in my power to ensure it’s broken," he asserted.
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