The happiness was palpable in Neeraj Chopra's voice. The javelin world champion arrived in Hangzhou after a long stay in Europe, where he was preparing for next year's Paris Olympics. The 25-year-old champion thrower was seen cheering for Indian athletes from the stands at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre, the venue for the track and field competitions at the 19th edition of the Asian Games.
Chopra greeted everyone with his effervescent smile as he interacted with the members of the Indian contingent. The way he carries himself reflects his humility and desire to make a positive impact beyond his chosen discipline.
The last time Chopra attended a competition in India was in 2021, ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. After winning the gold at the quadrennial event, he shifted his training base to the cooler climes of Europe. Chopra last visited India in December, 2022.
The reigning world and Olympic champion, Chopra is one of the most popular figures at the Games Village. Whenever he goes, people vie with each other to take selfies with him. With his celebrity status affecting his training routines, he was forced to train at a college ground on the outskirts of Hangzhou.
Amid the hustle and bustle that seems to surround him wherever he goes, Chopra has his feet on the ground. He is confident of successfully defending his Asian Games gold medal that he won at the 2018 edition in Indonesia. Son of a farmer from Khandra village near Panipat in Haryana, he is also excited to return home after a long gap.