If my throwing angle improves, I can throw better: Neeraj Chopra

NEW DELHI: India's superstar javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has pledged to make a powerful comeback after falling short of securing his second consecutive Olympic gold medal. Despite the setback, Chopra remains optimistic about his future performances, identifying areas for improvement in his technique.
Entering the Paris Olympics as the defending champion, Chopra concluded his campaign with a silver medal, while Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem claimed the gold with a record-breaking throw of 92.97 meters.
"I'm happy with my strength, but I feel that if my throwing angle improves, I can throw better. I'm yet to see my videos. The height was falling a bit short. I need to work on my run-up, and if I stay healthy, I will throw better," said Chopra, as quoted by PTI, who has had a series of injuries in the build-up to the Olympics.
He is hopeful that India will secure the hosting rights for the 2036 Olympics.
"It was a good Olympics for our Indian team overall. There were lots of fourth positions, and they really fought well. It would be great if the Olympics come to India in 2036," he said.
Chopra believes that the cricket-loving population of India is slowly developing an interest in Olympic events, indicating a shift in the country's sporting landscape.
"It's good that people are watching our games now. They watch our games live; they wake up very early and sleep late. This is one of the signs that Indian sports have changed. If parents encourage their children to go to the stadium, then things will change even more," he said.
After Nadeem won the gold medal in Paris, Chopra's mother, Saroj Devi, remarked that the Pakistani athlete is "also our child".
Off the field, the duo enjoys good relations.
"My mother belongs to a village. There isn't much mobile or media there, so whatever they say, they say it from the heart, like a mother. She was also praying for me like all other Indians. So whatever she felt in her heart, she said it," Chopra said.
"Sports always bring the two countries together. The border issue is a different matter. We try to unite through sports. We also think about living peacefully, but that's not in our hands," he signed off.