Did Neeraj Chopra Wish to Have Sachin Tendulkar's Superpower?

Bengaluru, June 30 (NationPress) Two-time Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra expressed his admiration for Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, wishing to possess his remarkable ability to excel in challenging situations.

Neeraj, who recently triumphed in the Paris Diamond League and Ostrava Golden Spike meet, is making waves with the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw competition, a prestigious World Athletics ‘A’ category event that marks a first in India. This event is set to take place on July 5 at the Sree Kanteerva Stadium in Bengaluru.

In an interview with Star Sports, when asked about which cricketer's abilities he would like to emulate in javelin throwing, the reigning world champion pointed to Tendulkar.

“I would say Sachin Tendulkar. He represented our nation brilliantly for years and set numerous records. The way he tackled formidable bowlers and delivered outstanding performances — I aspire to have that superpower. It would assist me in managing the challenges I encounter with a composed attitude,” Chopra stated in the interview.

The 27-year-old javelin sensation further noted that he believes former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee, who had a background in javelin before turning to cricket, and Indian bowling ace Jasprit Bumrah could also excel in javelin throwing. “I’ve heard that Brett Lee was a javelin thrower. I believe he could have thrown well, especially at his peak. I’d also like to try javelin with Jasprit Bumrah and learn some bowling techniques from him. Although both bowling and javelin involve throwing, they are quite distinct. I’d love to gain insights from Bumrah,” he added.

Chopra mentioned that former Indian captain MS Dhoni’s iconic 'Helicopter Shot' bears a resemblance to the javelin throw in power and technique.

When discussing superstitions during competitions, he remarked, “I focus on staying calm on the day of my event. I avoid overthinking it. My aim is to give my full effort while maintaining relaxation, enjoying good nutrition, and ensuring adequate rest.”

He concluded by sharing the invaluable advice he received from his coach Jan Zelezny, who holds the world record in javelin with a remarkable throw of 98.48 meters. “Whenever I throw, I feel full of energy, but he advises me to approach it smoothly. It shouldn’t feel forced — I should run like an 18-year-old without any tension.

“I’m gradually grasping the concept of flow, which is vital in any sport. Take Roger Federer as an example — he played with such elegance and rhythm that it never appeared he was exerting too much effort. I’m striving to incorporate that into my training,” he concluded.

Don’t miss the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 Javelin Throw Event on July 5 from 7 PM onwards on Star Sports Network (SS 1 Hindi & SS 2) and JioHotstar.