Changed mindset powers TN triple jumper Praveen Chithravel

CHENNAI: Triple jumper Praveen Chithravel is back with renewed focus after a challenging season last year. The 24-year-old from Tamil Nadu displayed top form by equalling his national record at the Federation Cup, securing a direct ticket to the World Championships, and later added a silver medal to his cabinet at the recent Asian Championships.

Praveen feels that those results are just the trailer to what he is expecting at the World Championships. “I could not handle the pressure of the Olympics last season, and that is the reason I was not able to perform well. I do not want anyone to say that Praveen can only perform for a single season. I wanted to show more consistency in my jumps and if not for others, I want to prove myself and show my full potential,” Praveen told TOI.

The previous season taught Praveen several lessons about handling pressure ahead of big competitions. He has become mentally stronger and worked on changing his mindset. “My coach (Yoandri Betanzos) has introduced many changes, such as improving my speed, strength, and hop. Last year, I was overthinking, but now I just want to fight and give 100%. That is the mentality I am going forward with.”

Consistency has remained a concern for Praveen, but he is focusing on how to maintain it. “I want to be as consistent as Neeraj Chopra, who is like a brother to me. He helps me whenever I ask and messages me after competitions, regardless of the result. One thing he has taught me is not to take pressure and to enjoy the competition.”

Ahead of the Federation Cup, Praveen could not train for three weeks due to an ankle sprain. He managed to overcome the setback and jumped 17.37m to equal his national record. After a month, in tough conditions in South Korea, Praveen registered 16.90m to clinch silver at the Asian Championships.

“I wanted to defeat the Chinese athlete (Zhu Yaming) who finished first at the Asian meet and show him what kind of athlete I am. I did not worry about the distance, as my only aim was to beat the Chinese. After the event, we spoke for some time, and he was very nice,” Praveen, the 2018 Youth Olympics bronze medallist, added.

With the World Championships just a few months away, Praveen’s aim is to finish inside the top-five. “To ensure that I stay focussed I have reduced my presence on social media. Whether I win a medal or not, my goal is to fight till the end. I believe in myself now. If everything goes well, I can produce a big surprise this season.”