Neeraj Chopra, the Indian track and field star, has had a remarkable journey from growing up on a farm in northern India to becoming an Olympic and world champion by the age of 25. In 2023, he was crowned world champion for the first time and successfully defended his Asian Games title, showcasing his talent and determination.
Despite facing challenges growing up in the village of Chandra, where he was bullied over his weight, Chopra found his passion for athletics, particularly javelin. Inspired by world record holder Jan Zelezny, he dedicated himself to training and emulating the legendary thrower’s technique and attitude. His hard work paid off when he won India’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in athletics in Tokyo 2021, propelling him to sporting superstardom.
Chopra’s success at the Olympics has translated into lucrative endorsement deals with major brands and a significant increase in his social media following. With a brand value estimated at $26.5m and a growing portfolio of partnerships, he has become one of India’s most popular and marketable athletes.
Despite his fame, Chopra remains committed to inspiring the next generation of Indian javelin throwers, regularly engaging with fans and visiting schools to promote track and field. He sees potential for India to produce more world-class javelin throwers and hopes to contribute to the growth of the sport in his country.
As he looks ahead to the 2024 Paris Olympics, Chopra’s main focus remains on improving his throw and winning more medals. He embraces the pressures of being a highly sought-after sportsman in India and remains dedicated to his training and goals for success in the future.