'Sports Was Never Part Of The Plan': Neeraj Chopra's First Reaction After Securing Gold At Tokyo 2020

Tokyo2020: "As soon as I saw their last attempt, I knew I'm getting gold & I celebrated," said India's best Javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra.

(File Photo/ Getty Images)

Tokyo: After winning the gold medal at Tokyo Olympics 2020, India's Neeraj Chopra has given his first reaction to the media. He said that winning the gold medal or even representing the country was not part of the plan. It is very well known that Neeraj was the junior world champion and he also holds the national record in the Javelin throw. 

The 23-year old from Haryana will be an inspiration for generations to come. Chopra dedicated this win to the legendary, late Milkha Singh, India's first track and field superstar. Coming from a small village in Haryana, Neeraj did not think that he would win a gold any day. 

"The time I went to the stadium, sports was never part of the plan, neither was playing for country & winning a medal. No one in my family or in my village is into sports. Later, I worked really hard & got great support from everyone," said Neeraj Chopra to ANI on Sunday. 

#WATCH | "Sports was never part of plan or to play for country & win a medal. No one in my family or in my village was into sports. It was coincidence that I went to stadium & started throwing javelin. I worked hard & everyone supported," says #Gold medallist Neeraj Chopra to ANI pic.twitter.com/loIpOiy5yu

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2021

Chopra's second throw of 87.58 meters was enough for India to secure a gold medal in Tokyo Olympics 2020.

The time I went to the stadium, sports was never part of the plan, neither was playing for country & winning a medal. No one in my family or in my village is into sports. Later, I worked really hard & got great support from everyone: #Gold medallist Neeraj Chopra to ANI pic.twitter.com/eVR0cepbZf

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2021

"I wanted to give my best at the Olympics but wasn't relaxed till I was sure about Gold medal. Other participants were very good &could have done better with any throw. As soon as I saw their last attempt, I knew I'm getting gold & I celebrated," the gold medallist continued. 

Although Chopra did not expect to gain such a feat, he always gave his 100% in training and preparation. In a 2018 interview, he had said that he is "aiming for Olympic Gold". 

"Last Olympics, I missed the qualification by just 10-12 days. Even the injury was a difficult phase in my life, but I got support from everyone and today I have won this gold medal, So, nothing like it," Chopra said on Wion.