Abhijit Deshmukh from Doha
After Neeraj’s event got over, most of the journalists were asking the media manager – when he would come to the mix zone? Knowing Neeraj, one could guess that it would take time. When asked by fans for selfies and autographs, he rarely disappoints anyone.
I even saw Parul Chaudhary’s event from the mix zone and did her interview. Neeraj was still giving selfies to everyone. Even before I got to interview him in the mix zone, he gave fist bump to a security guy.
As it was a landmark for Neeraj, I wanted it to be memorable for myself. After-all, I was the only journalist who travelled from India to cover his event. As Neeraj was coming out from the mix zone, I took the chance and requested Neeraj – Can I’ve your today’s bib?
Without any hesitation, Neeraj said “Okay, I’ll give after the dope (test).” While I was waiting for Neeraj to come out, I was joined by 5-6 Neeraj fans. They all wanted to have selfies with him. One of them asked me, “Has Neeraj left?” “No, he is in the dope (test). It might take some time,” I replied.
Knowing the fans, I asked him, “Neeraj ke saath photo lena hai kya?” “Yes,” they said. “Don’t worry, Neeraj sab ko photo deta hain,” I observed.
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As we waited for him, it turned out that most of them had very good sports knowledge. All were Indians based in Qatar, and are regular visitors to Doha Diamond League. We spoke on Athletics, tennis, Formula 1 and many more events that happen in Qatar. We also spoke on the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
One fan, Chandrashekhar Angadi, working as an Instrumental engineer with Philips said, “ This is the third time I’m watching Neeraj playing in Doha. It’s so wonderful to see him clearing the 90m mark. I’m lucky to (have) witnessed the historic throw.”
Neeraj came out from the dope test after an hour. It was almost 11 PM and most of the athletes had already left. After my questions were done, Neeraj obliged the fans with selfies.
As he was walking towards the exit, Neeraj put his hand in his pocket and gave his bib to me. I had almost forgotten that I had asked him for the bib.
As he sat in the front seat of the car, he was talking to the fans as if they were his good friends. And as Neeraj went to his hotel, a couple of them jumped with their fists in the air. This was their first selfies with Neeraj. Everyone was blown away by the simplicity of our Neeraj.
In today’s era, or rather known as kalyuga, it is difficult to find someone so famous and yet down to earth. Neeraj is truly one in a billion.