By BD Narayankar

New Delhi, Aug 9 (UNI) Neeraj Chopra, India’s golden boy of athletics and reigning Olympic champion, once again proved his mettle on the world stage by clinching a silver medal in the men’s javelin throw at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

However, this achievement comes with an asterisk—one that underscores the persistent battle Neeraj has faced with injuries, which have cast a long shadow over his preparations and performance.

In the grand arena of the Stade de France, Neeraj’s single successful throw of 89.45 meters stood as a testament to his talent and resilience. Yet, it was not enough to retain his Olympic crown, as Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem delivered a stunning 92.97-meter throw, breaking the Olympic record and securing the gold. For Neeraj, the silver medal was a bittersweet conclusion to an Olympic campaign marred by physical setbacks.

In the lead-up to Paris 2024, Neeraj’s journey was far from smooth. The 26-year-old had been grappling with recurring injuries, particularly issues with his adductor muscles—a condition that had plagued him for the past few years. These injuries forced him to miss critical competitions, including the prestigious Ostrava Golden Spike, and limited his ability to train at full capacity.

As the Olympics drew closer, Neeraj found himself caught in a relentless cycle of recovery and training, unable to build the momentum he needed to defend his title.

“The last two or three years were not so good for me. I’m always injured,” Neeraj admitted after the competition, his voice tinged with frustration and disappointment. “I really tried hard, but I have to work on staying injury-free and improving my technique.”

Neeraj’s struggle was evident during the final. Of his six attempts, only one throw was valid, with the rest ending in fouls—an indication of how the injuries had disrupted his technique and confidence.

“My technique and runway were not that good today,” Neeraj reflected. “In javelin, if your run is not so good, you can’t throw very far.” His medal-winning throw, coming in the second round, was a brief flash of the brilliance that had defined his career, but it was clear that the injuries had taken their toll.

This was not the first time Neeraj had faced such adversity. His road to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics had also been fraught with challenges, though he ultimately triumphed to win India’s first-ever Olympic gold in athletics. But the years since Tokyo have been a constant battle to stay fit, with Neeraj often forced to sit out key competitions to avoid exacerbating his injuries.

Despite the silver medal, Neeraj’s journey to Paris 2024 is a story of resilience. His determination to compete at the highest level, even when his body was not at its best, speaks volumes about his character. However, it also serves as a reminder of the fine line athletes walk between peak performance and injury.

As Neeraj looks ahead, his focus remains on overcoming these physical challenges. He has already indicated his intention to consult with doctors and specialists to address his lingering adductor issues once his Olympic campaign is over. “In training, I’m not doing a lot of throws because of my groin (injury). But I will work hard in the future,” he said, expressing his commitment to returning stronger.

In the end, Neeraj Chopra’s silver at Paris 2024 is not just a medal—it is a symbol of perseverance in the face of adversity. It marks a chapter in his career where the fight was not just against his competitors but against his own physical limitations. And as he graciously congratulated Arshad Nadeem on his victory, Neeraj’s words carried the weight of an athlete who knows that his greatest battles are still ahead of him.

UNI BDN ARN