HISTORICALLY SPEAKING

As we gear up for the Olympics this month, here's an excerpt from a story about an underdog teen from Haryana who discovered his passion for javelin throw - and became India's first Olympic gold medalist in athletics

- NORRIS PRITAM

Saturday, 7 August 2021, is a historic day every sport-loving Indian will remember the day Neeraj Chopra entered the Olympics Hall of Fame with his gold medal. But there is another date Neeraj will always have in mind on 27 October 2012 he was drafted by the JSW Group, which put him on the road to stardom.

And the rest as they say is history. A star was born! The then project manager and sports talent scout at JSW Sports, Ramadhar Yadav, vividly remembers that day. 'It was the National Junior Athletics Championship in Lucknow. I was there to spot talent to enrol in our project.

Since I have been an athlete myself, I don't believe in just picking out the winner or medal winner. My experience as a runner the man who made history 16 guides me to spot talent or potential irrespective of an athlete's place in the championship.

But Neeraj was different. Not only did he win the gold with a national record of 68.40 metres, he was also an athlete with a bright future.' Yadav had long discussions with the then national coach Bahadur Singh and former javelin throwerturned-coach Kashinath. 'Even though I had made up my mind to take Neeraj on board I wanted to be doubly sure,' said Yadav.

'After all, our company spends crores; we have to be true to their expectations.' After having an initial talk with Neeraj, Yadav offered to support him. 'He was happy, and when I said that he could check my credentials or our company's profile, he said it was fine and signed the agreement.

Neeraj's only response, according to Yadav, was, 'Kuch fayda mil jayega [it will do me some good].

After the agreement was signed JSW started providing him with pocket money and playing kits, among other things.