Gold quest: Chopra primed for yet another fling at history in Worlds

The reigning Olympic champion claimed silver last year but will want to go one better at Budapest

- Avishek Roy

Even after winning silver at last year’s World Championships in Oregon, Neeraj Chopra had not sounded happy. That’s because the Olympic champion aspires for nothing less than being a world champion. A year has passed since that day in Hayward Field when Chopra, after struggling with his initial throws, made a sensational comeback and make history for India. He has since vowed to return stronger.

That time has arrived. Budapest 23 will provide him the opportunity to have another go at the world title. Chopra has competed in only two tournaments this year, keeping himself fresh and hungry for the major. In both Diamond League meets he finished first. In Doha, his opening throw of 88.67m was good enough for victory and in Lausanne, it was with his fifth (87.66m) that he conquered the field.

The second tournament in particular was a test of fitness and temperament as Chopra had been sidelined with a muscle strain for seven weeks missing a couple of events. In cold conditions in Lausanne and with the injury playing on his mind, Chopra had initially found it difficult to go full pelt.