New Delhi: Neeraj ChopraHis popularity in the country has skyrocketed ever since he won India its first Olympic gold medal in athletics. tokyo olympicsBut the intoxication of fame does not go to his head and he continues to display his humble nature.
When asked about his fame in comparison to famous cricketers Virat Kohli Neeraj politely declined to draw any similarities between him and MS Dhoni.
Neeraj admitted that cricket remains the most loved sport in India. However, he wishes that javelin throw also achieves similar popularity and success in the country. Neeraj made it clear that he does not want the development of javelin throw to happen at the cost of other sports.
“If you respect your sport and are satisfied with it, then nothing else matters,” Neeraj Chopra told Sportstar.
He said, “At the Doha Diamond League, I was asked how popular I am in India. I never tried to compare myself with players like Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni because I am well aware of my reality in India.”
He said, “Yes, obviously, people have started recognising me more after the Olympics, but I know that there is a lot of difference in my popularity compared to a cricketer. Cricket is played in every street and neighbourhood of the country. It is not like people practice javelin throw in the same way.”
“I don't want any shortcuts to make my sport popular. I want my sport to become popular through my hard work and effort.”
He further added, “If there are more javelin throw based competitions in India like the Diamond League, people will be more interested in watching and following this sport. There should be a national level league for talented javelin throwers in India to compete. This will promote this sport in India.”
Neeraj will lead the Indian contingent of 118 athletes paris olympicsWill start from 26th July.
When asked about his fame in comparison to famous cricketers Virat Kohli Neeraj politely declined to draw any similarities between him and MS Dhoni.
Neeraj admitted that cricket remains the most loved sport in India. However, he wishes that javelin throw also achieves similar popularity and success in the country. Neeraj made it clear that he does not want the development of javelin throw to happen at the cost of other sports.
“If you respect your sport and are satisfied with it, then nothing else matters,” Neeraj Chopra told Sportstar.
He said, “At the Doha Diamond League, I was asked how popular I am in India. I never tried to compare myself with players like Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni because I am well aware of my reality in India.”
He said, “Yes, obviously, people have started recognising me more after the Olympics, but I know that there is a lot of difference in my popularity compared to a cricketer. Cricket is played in every street and neighbourhood of the country. It is not like people practice javelin throw in the same way.”
“I don't want any shortcuts to make my sport popular. I want my sport to become popular through my hard work and effort.”
He further added, “If there are more javelin throw based competitions in India like the Diamond League, people will be more interested in watching and following this sport. There should be a national level league for talented javelin throwers in India to compete. This will promote this sport in India.”
Neeraj will lead the Indian contingent of 118 athletes paris olympicsWill start from 26th July.
