'We are working on it': Neeraj Chopra discloses plans to consistently reach 90m mark; wins Paris Diamond League

Neeraj Chopra Aims for Consistent 90m Throws After Paris Diamond League Victory

Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra, fresh off his first Diamond League title in two years with an 88.16m throw in Paris on June 21, is prioritizing core strength to consistently surpass the 90-meter mark in international competitions. The Olympic medalist intends to refine his technique and build greater physical strength in preparation for future events.

While Chopra's winning throw was shy of his personal best of 90.23m, achieved at the Doha Diamond League earlier this year, the Paris event included five athletes who have previously exceeded the 90m mark.

"Yes, I need some more control when I throw, like on the attack. We are working on it in training, but still, there are so many things we have to change and I need some, maybe, strong core and some more strong body for throwing," Chopra stated, highlighting the importance of core strength in javelin.

Core muscles are essential for javelin throwers as they facilitate the transfer of power from the lower to the upper body, influencing both distance and precision.

Chopra remains optimistic about achieving consistency, believing it's a matter of time and increased competition experience. He expressed satisfaction with his run-up but identified areas for improvement in his throwing technique.

"Like timing, because I feel really good (in the) run up, but the timing was not so good when I throw (the javelin). I go quickly left and it was not good. I need to throw to the front like with the chest and go up with the javelin. We are working on it," Chopra explained.

Under the guidance of legendary javelin thrower Jan Zelezný, Chopra is now preparing for the Ostrava Golden Spike athletic meet on June 24. The short interval between competitions will allow for necessary recovery. His schedule also includes the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru on July 5, a World Athletics category A event.

"I will compete in Ostrava after four days on June 24. So, yes, I need some recovery. I'm very excited with this (Neeraj Chopra Classic) also. It's really something that I feel I did for my country and people are sporting. Indian people are sporting and they are following javelin (sport) after after the Tokyo Olympics, and I'm very excited. In future, I'm thinking of making this event (Neeraj Chopra Classic) big," he added.

The Tokyo Olympic gold medalist also expressed his ambition to achieve another 90-plus meter throw at the upcoming World Championships.

"I'm expecting like, hoping for again some 90m throw (in world championship) because I broke that barrier in Doha. So now I believe I can do it some more... some far throws. But let's see, it's depend on the weather and good condition, how the body feels, but maybe I will throw far in this season," Chopra concluded.