According to Neeraj Chopra, he is "slowly understanding the concept of flow" after his renowned coach Jan Zelezny told him to run "without any tension" like an 18-year-old before throwing his javelin. The 27-year-old Chopra, who has won two Olympic medals, said that he would like to possess cricket great Sachin Tendulkar's "superpower" so that he could face difficulties with composure.
He claimed that Czech legend Zelezny, who also holds the world record in javelin with a throw of 98.48 meters, gave him the best advice he has ever gotten, both on and off the field.
"Whenever I throw, I stay very energetic, but he (Zelezny) tells me I need to run in a flow. It shouldn't feel tight - I should run like an 18-year-old kid without any tension. I'm slowly understanding the concept of flow," Chopra told Star Sports and JioHotstar.
"I think that in any sport, flow is very important. For example, Roger Federer - he played with such grace and rhythm that it never seemed like he was putting in too much effort. I’m trying to bring that into my training."
When asked which cricketer’s superpower he would most like to possess in order to throw his javelin, Chopra responded, "Sachin Tendulkar. He represented our country so well for so many years and made so many records for us. The way he faced challenges from many great bowlers and still performed exceptionally."
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"I would want that superpower and try to do the same. It would help me handle challenges that come my way with a calm mindset,” remarked Chopra, who is hosting the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event, the NC Classic, in Bengaluru on July 5.
The world champion Indian, who joined Zelezny's 90-meter club in the Doha Diamond League in May, claimed that the power and technique of the renowned MS Dhoni's "Helicopter Shot" are similar to those of a javelin throw.
When asked which cricketer he believes has the ability to throw the javelin, Chopra responded, "I have heard that Brett Lee was a javelin thrower. I think he could throw the javelin well, especially when he was in his peak years."
"I would like to try javelin with Jasprit Bumrah too and hope he teaches me some bowling skills. While bowling and javelin are both throws, they are very different. I would like to learn from Bumrah.”
When questioned whether he is superstitious, Chopra responded, "I try to stay calm on the day of my event. I don’t think too much about it. I just focus on giving my 100%. I try to stay relaxed, eat good food, and rest well.”
Chopra won the Paris Diamond League title with an effort of 88.16m after throwing 90.23m at the Doha Diamond League on May 16 to finish in second place. Then, on June 24, he threw 85.29 meters to win the Golden Spike Ostrava title.
