In exciting news from the world of athletics, Devendra Jhajharia, the president of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), has expressed strong confidence in former Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra’s ability to break the elusive 90m mark in javelin throw. Neeraj Chopra, known for his recent silver medal victory at the Paris Olympics, has yet to achieve this feat in his career. His personal best stands at 89.94m, a distance he covered during the Stockholm event in 2022.
Devendra Jhajharia Predicts Neeraj’s 90m Breakthrough
Jhajharia, himself a two-time Paralympic gold medalist, believes that Neeraj will not only break the 90m barrier but do so by a significant margin. "In the language of javelin throw, 89-plus has become a barrier for Neeraj currently. I have seen in my sporting career of 20 years, when a barrier is broken, it does not break just by a mere meter or so, but by 3 to 4 meters," Jhajharia told PTI.
"When Neeraj breaks that barrier, he will not just throw 90-plus; his javelin will go 3-4 meters farther. Please remember my words. So, Neeraj will throw 92m to 93m when the barrier is broken. He should do it in one or two years," said Jhajharia. His optimism is surely a morale booster for Neeraj and his fans alike.
Age Is Just A Number
According to Jhajharia, Neeraj’s age is a significant advantage for him. At 26, Neeraj is considered to be in an excellent phase of his athletic career. Jhajharia believes Neeraj will hit his peak when he turns 28 or 29.
"Age is in his favour. 26 is no age, and I am hoping that he will be at his peak when he is 28 or 29. By then, he will do his best. He is very disciplined and very dedicated. I have seen that when we trained together in 2022 in Finland," Jhajharia added. Such words from a seasoned athlete like Jhajharia underscore the potential Neeraj has to achieve even greater heights.
Long-term Vision for Indian Paralympics
Switching focus from individual accolades to the collective future of Indian athletes, Jhajharia shared ambitious plans for the Paralympics. He revealed that India’s target for the Paris 2024 Paralympics is to win 25 medals. Looking ahead, the goals become even more aspirational.
"In 2028 Los Angeles, we can aim for more than 30 medals and 40 plus in 2032. And by 2036, when hopefully India hosts the Paralympics, we can win 50 medals and be in the top 10," he said. It’s clear that the PCI has a roadmap filled with ambitious milestones, indicative of the strides India has been making in sports at the international level.
Future Prospects
If Neeraj Chopra reaches the 90m milestone, it will be a momentous occasion not just for him but for India’s sporting history. The prediction by Devendra Jhajharia adds an exciting narrative to Neeraj’s journey ahead. With time on his side and a rigorous training regime, Neeraj Chopra’s future looks brighter than ever.
India Press Live will continue to keep you updated on developments as Neeraj returns to the training grounds. Whether he breaks the record soon or in a couple of years, one thing is for sure—Neeraj Chopra’s journey is an inspiring saga that keeps all of India on the edge of their seats.
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