Recently awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award, Navdeep expressed his gratitude and joy in an exclusive conversation with RevSportz. “I feel overwhelmed to be included in the elite league of Arjuna Awardees,” he shared. “There are so many athletes, but this award is given to those who have consistently performed well and achieved something special.”
Navdeep reflected on his achievements, which every athlete dreams of when starting their journey. “When an athlete begins, their dream is to win a gold medal at the highest stage. The Arjuna Award after the Paris gold feels like the culmination of that dream,” he said. Yet, his hunger for improvement remains. “Now, being part of this elite league, I desire to follow their footsteps and create a legacy,” he added.
Discussing the ‘elite league’ of Indian javelin throwers like Devendra Jhajharia, Neeraj Chopra, and Sumit Antil, Navdeep spoke with admiration. “What Devendra ji and Neeraj bhai have done and continue to do for the country is exceptional, and only a few athletes have achieved such greatness,” he said. “I look up to them as idols and feel proud.”
When it comes to his compatriot Sumit Antil, Navdeep shares a deeper, more personal connection. “Sumit is like my elder brother, and we’ve even been roommates before,” he shared. “Now that my name is mentioned alongside his, I feel both happy and proud. We started together, and now we share this journey.”
Despite his meteoric rise, Navdeep remains grounded. When asked how life has changed after the Paris Paralympics, he replied, “It feels good that para-sports have gained much popularity, and I could contribute to that. However, I haven’t changed the way I live my life. It’s very important to stay connected to your roots.”
Interestingly, javelin wasn’t always Navdeep’s first love. In a previous conversation during the Paralympics, he revealed that he initially wanted to be a wrestler. His father used to take him to the local wrestling arena, where Navdeep dreamed of becoming a professional wrestler. “It’s still the sport closest to my heart,” he admitted. “Yes, javelin is my sport and I love it, but wrestling connects me to my soil, my village in Haryana, and more.” On a lighter note, he joked about keeping his wrestling dreams alive, saying, “No, I don’t go to wrestle. They’d just toss me around!”
Looking ahead, Navdeep discussed India’s two major upcoming international para-athletics events – the Grand Prix in March and the Para World Athletics Championships in December. “I’m not so sure about the Grand Prix, but I will definitely play in the World Championships,” he confirmed. “And I’ll be there for LA28,” he added with confident laughter.
Navdeep also highlighted the significance of hosting such major tournaments in India. “It’s crucial for the entire ecosystem. At the elite level, we travel a lot, but many young, talented athletes don’t get such opportunities due to financial constraints. Hosting these events give them a sense of playing in a major competition on home soil,” he explained.
He also pointed out the benefits for athletes who don’t qualify to participate. “Even those who won’t qualify will gain from the experience because they’ll get a feel of what an international tournament environment is like,” he said.
“These tournaments will be a major learning curve for the Indian para-sports ecosystem,” Navdeep concluded, affirming his optimism for the future.
Exclusive 🚨
“I look up to Neeraj, but Sumit is my brother — I feel happy and proud when my name comes along with him,” says #ParisParalympics gold medalist @Navdeepjavelin.
From amateur wrestling to PLY gold & Arjuna award.@ShrachiSports
Full: https://t.co/Jkq9dbabXx pic.twitter.com/mVxvRF5hZW
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) January 24, 2025