There is no better athlete than Neeraj Chopra to talk on nutrition, supplements and how to eat a balanced diet for high performance. On Tuesday, the golden boy of Indian athletics spoke on a subject which one would usually associate with sports nutrition experts.
Having signed up with Optimum Nutrition, a company which makes all kinds of supplements, from whey protein to other products like “mass gainer”, Neeraj was relaxed as he spoke to the media in New Delhi.
He flew in from the United States of America after a hectic and satisfying 2023 season. Prompted about the upcoming one, he spoke of how important the Paris Olympics are. “The Olympics comes once in four years, it is so special. I have to be fully ready for it,” said Neeraj. The anchor on stage hosting the show egged Neeraj on to talk of going for gold again in Paris, but he did not fall for the bait.
There was an emotional connect when a question was put to Neeraj on how he felt with so many media people in the hall having supported him during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics journey. “I wish to thank all those who backed me, believed me and cheered me,” he said, directing his answer at members of the media present in the audience.
The more serious topic of discussion was supplements, proteins and related subjects, especially important in the wake of a spate of positive drug tests as a result of ingestion of contaminated supplements.
Neeraj spoke about his own experiences, how being abroad for competitions in Europe was tough a few years ago. Having been a strict vegetarian, it was hard. He spoke of how being on a “grassy diet” was akin to farm animals back home in India chewing the cud after eating leaves. As Neeraj grew in stature, he realised how important was the role of food supplements in daily life. “One must not rely only on supplements alone,” he said. “There has to be a balanced intake of food for an elite athlete. I think all of us must eat a correct diet.”
What is that one thing Neeraj enjoys when he is back home in India? “Chai” came the reply. Neeraj spoke of how he loves the desi, boiled tea, though he avoids it abroad. “When I return home, there is a genuine fear I will put on weight,” he said with a smile. He spoke of his breakfast on Tuesday morning being mainly fruits and avocado toast.
The probing did not end there. What would his lunch be? Neeraj spoke of dal chawal, raita and simple stuff, which could be easily digested. Soon, the topic veered to what he would do on a cheat day. He cannot afford many of those while training abroad. “I like the choorma (sweet made in Haryana) which has a lot of ghee,” said Neeraj with another smile.
Questions were put to him even on how India were faring at the ICC World Cup. Neeraj spoke of how well Team India were handling the pressure, something that he has become adept at in every competition he competes in.
The most important takeaway from Neeraj’s media interaction? “Fitness is essential,” he said. “Everyone must exercise on a daily basis. It does not matter what exercise you do, spend time, devote it on your own body to stay healthy.”