India's Chopra Says Virus Restrictions Hit Olympic Hopes
Muhammad Rameez Published May 12, 2021 | 07:10 PM
New Delhi, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th May, 2021 ) :India's javelin star Neeraj Chopra said Wednesday that the lack of international competition because of coronavirus restrictions has badly hampered preparations for his first Olympic Games.
Chopra, a farmer's son from a village outside of Delhi, became a track and field star after winning the javelin gold at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games in 2018.
Having qualified for the Tokyo Olympics last year, he recorded a personal best of 88.07m in the Indian Grand Prix in March.
But an elbow injury in 2019 and then the pandemic have robbed him of the chance to get closer to the world's best.
"I need to compete in international tournaments," the 23-year-old told a virtual press conference.
"If we cannot take part in competitions then what is the use of training. To rise to the Olympic level, you need international exposure." Germany's Johannes Vetter leads the current javelin rankings with a personal best of 97.76m.
"I am close to breaching the 90-metre mark and can do it if I get competition," said Chopra.
"The present group of seven or eight javelin throwers across the globe is the best in history with everyone recording over 90m.
"It is my first Olympics, like many others, so your confidence must be high.
And we will get this confidence through these events." Chopra and the rest of India's best athletes missed a recent trip to Turkey for training and competition due to a 14-day quarantine.
Doubts have been expressed about the viability of the Tokyo Games because of a pandemic surge in Asia, but Chopra said athletes have to keep their focus.
"We have to stay positive to prepare for the Olympics amid this negative atmosphere where there is a raging pandemic and so many people are dying," said Chopra, who received a first dose of a vaccine two weeks ago.
"We just have to keep preparing as athletes despite the uncertainty surrounding the Olympics." India has been hit by a devastating new coronavirus wave in recent weeks, recording over 250,000 deaths as hospitals battle shortages of medical oxygen and beds.
Chopra said he has shut out news broadcasts to focus on his Olympic preparation.
"I have stopped listening to any kind of news on the mobile or tv as everywhere there are stories of Covid positive cases and deaths," he said from his room at the National Institute of sports in Patiala.
"It plays on the mind, as even while talking to family members the talk is about deaths of distant relatives. So we are trying to stay away from this and maintain our focus."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leav ..
More Stories From Sports
-
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable victory over UAE
3 hours ago -
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
9 hours ago -
National Hockey camp to be organized for Azlan Shah tournament
10 hours ago -
Islamabad Tennis Club demolished by CDA amid anti-encroachment action at public park: Tarar
12 hours ago -
Shayan, Rashid, Junaid to represent Pakistan in U12 Regional Qualifying Jrs
12 hours ago -
Olympic Games Paris 2024: How teams qualified
12 hours ago
-
ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy unveiled in Islamabad
12 hours ago -
Pakistan to tour New Zealand for 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is next March
12 hours ago -
Xavi and Barca remain tied in marriage of convenience
12 hours ago -
Pakistan Master Tenpin Bowling C'ship postponed
12 hours ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results
12 hours ago -
1st-ever National Sports Revival conference starts next month
14 hours ago