S.Kannan in Paris
When Neeraj Chopra returned from the Tokyo Olympics after winning gold in 2021 and was felicitated by the Athletics Federation of India in New Delhi, it was decided August 7 would be celebrated as ‘National Javelin Day.’ If, at that time, this thought seemed impulsive, three years hence, one can still relate to it. After all, on August 6, 2024, Neeraj competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics and threw 89.34 metres to make the cut for the final. Today, Neeraj will be training in Paris and go flat out for one more shot at Olympic glory on August 8.
So, has August 7 caught on or not is something to be pondered? Yes, there has been an exponential growth in the number of people in India who have wanted to emulate Neeraj. It’s not easy, for what Neeraj has achieved did not happen overnight. From the time he won his first medal in 2012 as the under-16 champion till now, the journey has been one of seeking perfection.
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When Neeraj returned from Tokyo, he had talked of wanting to do well in Paris. Three years is a long time to be fit and relevant. One may not read about how many youngsters have taken to the art of throwing the javelin in India, but a few have made a mark. Kishore Kumar Jena did try his luck on August 6 in Paris and could not achieve the qualifying mark. But that does not mean fans troll him. At the same time, it is sad news, DP Manu, another javelin thrower who was in the running for the Paris Olympics, was requested not to train after instructions from the NADA – National Anti Doping Agency – almost two months ago.
Back to Neeraj and his romance with the javelin, how much he has improved and fought to become a global icon is well known. Name it, and he has made a mark in all meets of global relevance, be it the World Championship, Diamond League meets and, of course, the Asian Games. Neeraj has become the face of javelin, not just in India, but wherever he goes. It is a massive impact and for all those in India who celebrate ‘national javelin day,’ it is a day to remember and be part of it.
The sceptics will always think having a day for javelin alone in India is a gimmick. No, it is not so. Today, August 7, in rural areas as well as cities, there will be people celebrating Neeraj. The young throwers may not have the same technique and perfection as Neeraj but ‘Neeraj bhaiyya’ has become a superstar and a role model for many youngsters. It will take time for them to scale the same peak, but at least a beginning has been made. Unlike cricket and the IPL, track and field is not so popular in India, in terms of news being publicised.
But then, so many junior meets are held at the district level, state level and then the national level in India. Javelin has become more popular in India, and August 7 has more than just historical significance. Look at Neeraj, how he has again peaked at one more Olympics, this is determination and grit. He has dealt with injuries and a few more issues, but to still be an icon who can fire on the big stage, Neeraj symbolises the importance of ‘national javelin day.’ It takes time for champions to emerge, so August 7 must be celebrated more than just symbolically.
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