Ahead of the Ostrava Golden Spike meet, Neeraj Chopra recalls a memory of Usain Bolt associated with the event

Unwilling to put himself under pressure of regular 90m throws, Indian javelin throw star Neeraj Chopra says he has a good feeling about Tuesday’s Ostrava Golden Spike Athletics meet in the Czech Republic as he builds up for his ultimate goal this year — a top finish at the World Championship in Tokyo.

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Neeraj defeated Julian Weber to win the Paris Diamond League with a throw of 88.16m last week. The two-time Olympic medallist said with Czech great Jan Zelezny by his side as his coach and with his own determination, he is confident of good results.

World Championships is Neeraj’s main goal in 2025

The 27-year-old is riding high on his maiden 90 m-plus throw that he achieved in the season-opening Diamond League meet in Doha.

“I am really happy to work with such a great athlete and coach. I’ve already thrown 90m this year after a little bit of an improvement in technique. So let’s see, when it comes next time but I am ready. Recently, we’ve done a good training in Nymburk (Czech Republic). So, I’ll do my best here in Ostrava,” he said.

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“(The) main goal for the season is obviously World Championships in Tokyo,” added Neeraj, who won a gold at the previous edition of the biennial showpiece.

Neeraj said part of his excitement for Tuesday’s event comes from watching greats like Usain Bolt on TV, compete here in the past.

“When I was kid, I watched a lot of videos and photos of athletes as Usain Bolt competing here. I came last year but I didn’t compete because of injury.

“Now I feel good, but I don’t want to put any pressure on myself for 90m. But I’ll try really hard.”

The World Athletics Championships will be held in Tokyo from September 13 to 21 this year. Neeraj, who won gold in 2020 Tokyo Olympics and silver in 2024 Paris, spoke highly about his coach Zelezny.

“When I competed at the Diamond League in Doha, there were a lot of Indian people who wanted to take pictures with Jan. And they are sometimes…you know…very intense so I was a bit worried about him. But he left the hotel quickly,” he said.

Besides the World Championships, Neeraj is also excited about the Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw meet to be held in Bengaluru on July 5.

“This will be my first really serious competition in India with international athletes, on July 5. I still have to manage a lot of things before competition but it will be a good experience,” he said.

“So now, it would not be good if I would say no to people. And I’m happy that now in India people recognise other sports than cricket.”

Coach Zelezny praises Neeraj Chopra

Talking about his gold-winning throw at the Paris Diamond League, Neeraj said he is happy with the effort despite not being able to touch the 90m mark.

Neeraj’s coach Zelezny was also quite satisfied with the progress of his ward.

“I am happy about the situation. What’s important for javelin and throws in general as athletics is not only about sprints. Neeraj opened the doors to other countries, it’s great for our sport,” he said.