Ever since Neeraj Chopra won a gold medal at the Olympics, the entire nation has been his keen follower. From featuring in several interviews to being seen in public functions, the athlete has been keeping busy.
However, Neeraj Chopra went on to reveal how all that have had a negative impact on him.
Speaking to TOI, he claimed that his training has come to a halt due to the multiple functions he is having to attend and that he also fell ill because of it.
“I had fever. I used to be drenched in sweat while attending functions and then I used to get into air-conditioned cars. I wasn’t getting any rest and I wasn’t eating properly because of the busy routine.”
He expressed that such things shouldn’t happen and sports need continuous attention.
“Aisa nahin hona chahiye ki ab medal aa gaya toh sab abhi kar do, aur phir ek mahiney baad sab shaant ho jao.”
Neeraj said that because of all the events and interviews he is having to attend, he isn’t able to train for which he has to skip the Diamond League that is set to take place at the end of the month.
“The attention is indeed important, but there’s Diamond League at the end of the month. I had planned to participate in it, but my training stopped completely once I returned from the Olympic Games because of the incessant number of functions. I also fell sick. This is why I feel my fitness is not up there now. I can’t compete properly.”
He goes on to add:
“That’s why I have to skip the event. I had planned to compete in at least two to three events. These things need to change in Indian sport. All other Olympic champions are participating in Diamond Leagues. Their season is continuing. We can’t be satisfied with one gold medal. We need to think at a global level. We need to continuously perform at global events like the Diamond Leagues.”
Do you think athletes should be given space and time to focus on upcoming tournaments after a massive win instead of overwhelming them with public events? Tell us.