Mystery of Neeraj’s guest’ show

Javelin ace, the reigning Olympic world champion, expected to compete on Wednesday

- INDRANEEL DAS

REALITY hits you hard when you least expect it. Tuesday was one such day. At the playing or the warm-up arena, the name of Neeraj Chopra was discussed in every conversation. Perspective changed after a conversation with an amicable cabbie. The name Neeraj definitely is famous but the craft he practices? While on the way to the Kalinga Stadium for the third day of the National Federation Senior Athletics Competition the discussion with the cab driver naturally veered towards athletics. The conversation went something like this. "What sporting event is going on at Kalinga Stadium?," asked the cabbie. "Athletics," was the reply. "Ye kaun sa sport hain ji (What sport is this)?,"asked the cabbie. "Running, jumping, throwing..," was the reply.

"Achcha (ah, okay)," said the cabbie. He must have heard about Neeraj Chopra? "Haan suna hai ye naam (definitely, heard that name). International player hai." There was a pause... then came the confirmation: "Footballer?" Well.

"We follow football and hockey here and know cricketers," said the cabbie. Sometimes it's best to leave things as it is.