Neeraj Chopra, India's defending champion in javelin throw, has made a spectacular entry into the Olympic Games finals, registering a season's best throw of 89.34m on his very first attempt in the qualification round held on Tuesday.?
This performance not only affirmed his top position in Group B but also effectively dispelled concerns about his fitness, following his admission of an adductor niggle prior to the competition. His throw is a near match to his personal best of 89.94m, achieved in 2022.
For months, social media has been buzzing with videos showcasing Chopra's intensive training, capturing him sweating it out in preparation for his title defense. These clips have been a delight for fans, highlighting his commitment and rigorous regimen. Take a look:?
Training session of Neeraj Chopra
byu/LimpCoco inunitedstatesofindia
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Ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics, Neeraj Chopra embarked on a focused 60-day training stint across Finland, Germany, and Turkiye.?Accompanied by his coach Klaus Bartonietz and physio Ishaan Marwaha, his training began in Kuortane, Finland, then moved to Saarbrucken, Germany, and concluded at the Gloria Sports Arena in Turkiye, where he remained until July 28.
To maintain a low body fat percentage of about 10%, Chopra follows a stringent diet rich in fruits and proteins. According to NDTV, which cites ESPN, he begins his day with juice or coconut water and then eats a breakfast of egg whites, bread, dalia, and fruits.?
His lunch usually includes curd and rice, along with pulses, grilled chicken, and salad. Dinner is lighter, comprising soup, boiled vegetables, and fruits, with snacks of dry fruits and fresh juice in between.?
Though initially vegetarian, Chopra has incorporated non-vegetarian food like salmon into his diet. He occasionally indulges in cheat meals, including churma, golgappas, and sweets, explaining that golgappas are mostly water and therefore, relatively harmless for an athlete occasionally.
Also Read:?How 'Eric the Eel' overcame a near-drowning experience to become an Olympic symbol of perseverance
Training for an Olympic level athlete like Chopra involves considerable expense. His preparation takes him across continents from Europe to Africa and Asia, and when in India, to NIS Patiala. The Indian Express reports that a whopping Rs 5.72 crore was spent on his overall training leading up to the 2024 Olympics.
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