EXCLUSIVE: I want to do something different, so that the country remembers me: What Neeraj Chopra told his compatriot Shivpal Singh ahead of the javelin final | Tokyo Olympics News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: He came, he saw and he conquered. India’s Javelin star Neeraj Chopra ended India’s wait of over a 100 years and won the elusive Olympic gold medal in athletics. Chopra, who became the country’s favourite and raised expectations after topping the qualification round with a breathtaking 86.59m throw, threw 87.03 and 87.58 in the final to win the gold medal.
This is India’s second individual gold medal at the Olympics. Abhinav Bindra won a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 10m Air Rifle event.

Shivpal Singh, who couldn’t make the cut for the final of the javelin throw event in Tokyo, spent a lot of time with compatriot Neeraj during training and practice sessions in Tokyo. According to Shivpal, Neeraj was in a different zone and was looking confident of winning a medal.
“Neeraj was looking so confident. He was in a different zone. All he used to say was ‘bhai kuch alag karna hai, desh yaad rakhe (Brother, I want to do something different so that the country remembers me). And he said this to me almost every day. He used to say one thing that he just wants to give his best,” Shivpal told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.

“He is a champion. We have started the celebration. It’s a big big day for the athletics fraternity and the entire country. We are so proud of him,” Shivpal said.
After the medal confirmation, Neeraj kissed the track at the Olympic Stadium. He knew he had done the job for the country. Neeraj took the national tri-colour and went on a much deserved victory lap.

“Neeraj told me – ‘Bhai best pehle throw mein hi dena hai’ (Want to give my best in the first throw). I knew his dedication and determination. I was confident that he will win a medal. But I didn’t expect the gold. He is a star and a champion,” Shivpal further told TimesofIndia.com.
“His medal will give javelin a brand new image,” an emotional Shivpal signed off.