Ask yourself this question, for he is. And then tell yourself that between 2021 and 2025, he has never finished outside the top two in any competition. You will know why he is special. But then, this isn’t the reason. There have been athletes who haven’t lost for years and have ruled their sport. Valarie Allman, who yet again won the Diamond League, is an example. She is brilliant, and one of the best ever. But with Neeraj, there is a very human element to him. He can fail, and he does. He has bad days just like you and me. And yet, he finds a way. On bad days, when things don’t go his way, he still finds a way to be there and make it count. That’s why he is the best, and the best ever.
Zurich was an example. Neeraj wasn’t having a good day. By his own admission, his timing wasn’t right. Things weren’t looking good, and three back-to-back fouls were an indication. And yet, he did not give up. He somehow conjured up energy to come with a last throw of 85.01m that got him into second place. That last-ditch effort, the home stretch, the push and the desire to not give up – that’s what makes the Neeraj story.
Add humility to it. The acceptance that things weren’t right. And that he wasn’t at his best. Each one of us struggles to accept that we weren’t good enough. When you are a great like Neeraj, all the more so. There has to be ego. It is only natural. But then, that’s what differentiates the greats from the very best. The best inevitably find a way. Always do. Neeraj is an example. He looked tired and jaded in Zurich. Things had not fallen in place. He must have felt it. And yet, that last throw happened. It always does with him.
In Tokyo in two weeks, Neeraj will be there yet again. To try. None of us know whether he will win. Julian Weber is having the season of his life. There will be others as well. But then, never rule Neeraj out. He will be there and he will compete. Push the bar and somehow find a way. Make an effort that will leave us all in awe. As I said, he is the best we have seen, and perhaps will in a long time.
One personal story to finish off. Just like today, I had once written that he is the best. He messaged at 1am at night asking if I was awake. And then called and asked me not to write such things, for he hasn’t yet won a third Olympic medal or multiple World Championship medals. You realise you are dealing with someone very different. Someone who has redefined Indian sport and will continue to do so. Yes, he is the best ever. There is no debate.
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