
Neeraj's popularity can boost Indian track and field
Yet, on that heady Tokyo night Chopra took a victory lap around the National Stadium, humbly acknowledging their presence and soaking in the feeling. It was a moment of triumph, but the image of a tricolour-draped Chopra celebrating in an empty stadium left one wishing that he should get another opportunity to perform in front of fans in the Olympics.
That moment came at the Paris Olympics where Chopra won silver with fans from India making the trip to watch him in action. In four years, Chopra has captured the world championship, Diamond League title and numerous elite level competitions around the world, emerging as a big star of global track and field. Wherever he has gone, the Indian diaspora has been present in full strength to back him.
Chopra's stature has grown with each spectacular performance, tremendously boosting his popularity in India.
However, in these four years, Chopra had appeared in only one event at home – a domestic competition where his presence went almost unnoticed because of his late confirmation.
There was a growing sense that his charisma wasn't utilised to full potential. One longed to see him in a top international competition in India with fans watching him from up and close. That wish was fulfilled at a packed Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday at the Neeraj Chopra Classic. Hopefully, India's sponsors and corporate houses will realise the potential of sports other than cricket.
To watch Chopra being swarmed by spectators and showered with love was a delight. He had been in the city for a week doing fan engagement programmes and promoting the event. Everywhere, people sought his autograph and selfies, and received him with warmth. His humility and ability to strike a chord with people stands apart.
Even Chopra was surprised by the response and promised to do his bit to get more international events to India. He realises the importance of providing people the opportunity to watch world class athletics action. At the same time, his message was for them to also go and watch domestic competitions and encourage athletes.
'You see the environment today. It's so encouraging for athletes when you have fans coming to stadiums and supporting you. We were talking about it today, about the atmosphere. Our athletes Sachin Yadav, Rohit they were so excited seeing the crowd. This is the kind of support we need for our athletes. They work so hard. When you come along with children, they will feel inspired to take up the sport,' said Chopra.
'We always wanted people to come for domestic track and field meets. AFI has made attempts to draw people to national competitions. So, I want to tell people 'please go and watch domestic meets'. Athletics is full of action. You will see sprinters, throwers, jumpers. At first people might feel so many actions taking place at the same time. Someone is jumping, somebody throwing, and some athletes sprinting. But when you start following and understanding the sport, it is so thrilling,' Chopra explained.
Even Chopra, who is usually in control of his emotions, felt the adrenalin rush in front of thousands of fans. With the energy of the roaring crowd behind him, he pushed himself a bit too much on the first throw before reining himself with the second throw.
'Itna jyada energy tha stadium mein josh mein kiya first throw. Then spoke to coach and made some technical correction. I was still not happy with my runway, but that I am able to perform under such pressure situation makes me happy. The last few days I have been busy looking after organising. Though my team was there to help, I wanted everyone, international athletes, to return with a good experience. I wasn't able to train much but somewhere the feeling was there that I also have to do well in an event named after me and in front of home crowd. That way it's a relief that everything went well.
'Indian athletes playing alongside Olympic and world champions in this atmosphere is a big thing for them. That was the idea, to give them some quality competition and for Indian fans to watch them live.'
It's a start that needs to be backed up with planning. AFI spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla, who is also vice president of World Athletics, says it already has plans to pitch for the world Championships and world relays. 'We had officials from World Athletics here. It was so well organised with such a great support from people. We will be pitching for the world championships in 2029 and 2031. AFI has also shown interest in bidding for the junior world Championships 2028.
'We will bid for both and see which one we can get to host. We will also bid for the world relays and other events.'
Neeraj's popularity can lend the support needed for Indian track and field to go among the masses.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New Indian Express
16 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
ICC appoints Sanjog Gupta as its new CEO
DUBAI: Indian media mogul Sanjog Gupta was on Monday named the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Jay Shah-led International Cricket Council (ICC) following an elaborate recruitment process which began in March this year. Gupta, who was serving as the CEO (Sports & Live Experiences) at JioStar, will be taking charge of his new role with immediate effect. The ICC said it received more than 2,500 applications from 25 countries from which 12 candidates were shortlisted. "Candidates ranged from leaders associated with sport's governing bodies to senior corporate executives from across sectors," the ICC said. The nominations were forwarded to the Nominations Committee comprising ICC deputy chairman Imran Khwaja, ECB chairman Richard Thompson, SLC president Shammi Silva and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. They recommended Gupta for the role. ICC chairman Jay Shah then approved the recommendation, which was ratified by the full ICC board. "I look forward to contributing to the next phase of cricket's evolution, expanding its global footprint, enhancing the fan experience, and working closely with ICC Member Boards to build on our strong foundations," Gupta said in a statement issued by ICC. He began his career as journalist and joined Star India (now JioStar) in 2010. Over the years, he held multiple leadership roles in content, programming and strategy before becoming Head of Sports at Disney and Star India in 2020. Gupta was appointed CEO of JioStar Sports in November 2024 following the merger of Viacom18 and Disney Star.

The Hindu
21 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Cristiano Ronaldo exhibition — Hong Kong fans queue up for opening of event on CR7
Hong Kong football fans queued for hours on Monday to snap pictures of Cristiano Ronaldo's trophies and jerseys at an exhibition billed as the first of its kind outside the superstar's native Portugal. Visitors at the opening of the ' CR7 LIFE Museum Hong Kong' at a luxury shopping mall posed next to life-sized statues of the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player, including one in mid-air celebration and another in traditional Saudi dress. 'Cristiano Ronaldo is my idol... he's special,' said 14-year-old Alvin Lai, who was first in a queue of more than 100 people. 'He's the most hardworking person out there,' said university student Henry Singh. 'He's 40 years old and still going very strong.' Life-sized statues depicting footballer Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating a goal is seen on display during the opening of the CR7 LIFE Museum in Hong Kong. | Photo Credit: AFP Ronaldo signed a new two-year contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr last month, calling it a 'new chapter' in an Instagram post. Al Nassr is due to play in a pre-season tournament in Hong Kong next month. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo will be greeting fans at the museum 'very soon', said Tomas Froes, a representative of the footballer's family office. The 12,000 square feet (1,110 square metres) exhibition sends a 'strong message for everyone to achieve their dreams', Froes told AFP. Organisers have said the Hong Kong exhibition will run for a year before heading to mainland China.


Mint
24 minutes ago
- Mint
IND vs ENG: Will Jofra Archer make England Test return after four years at Lord's? Captain Ben Stokes reveals insights
England are likely to make some wholesome changes in their bowling line-up at Lord's with a possibility of Jofra Archer returning in whites for the first time in four years in the third Test against India, starting from July 10. The England bowling attack which comprises of Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse, have leaked out 835 runs in the first Test and 1014 runs in the second, thus raising serious eyebrows. With the Indian batters in scintillating form, the England pace attack looked toothless in both the Tests. England captain Ben Stokes hinted at a few changes in the third Test after the hosts were humiliated by 336 runs at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Archer, who last played a Test match for England in 2021, have made an international comeback last year after being on and off the field due to injuries. He was initially in contention for the first Test against India at Headingley but had to be ruled out due to a thumb injury he sustained during the Indian Premier League while playing for Rajasthan Royals. He was added to the squad for the second Test but couldn't make it to the finl XI. With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy level at 1-1, England would potentially bring in Archer at Lord's. 'That'll be a decision we have to make, seeing how everyone comes together," replied Stokes when asked about Archer's inclusion in the third Test. "We've had him here this week to get around the group and build him up with his workloads and everything. So, everyone's being considered for the game at Lord's,' added the England captain.