Able to replicate in competition the technique changes honed during practice, as suggested by his coach Jan Zelezny, is the key to consistent bigger throws, World Champion Neeraj Chopra said on Friday.
Neeraj, 27, the current world champion, is fresh after winning the NC Classic, an event he hosted in Bengaluru. With Zelezny coming on board as coach at the start of the season, Neeraj is trying to avoid leaning to the left at the release point and aiming for a seamless transition from the running phase to the cross-step as part of changes to his technique. Trying to use shorter cross-steps to avoid staining his groin is also a focus. Presently, he’s yet to get comfortable with the changes.
“I am not able to fully replicate the changes in technique during a competition because it is taking time. I am doing a mix of new and old techniques. I feel if I can replicate the technique that I do in training in competition, then I will get very good results,” Neeraj said on the sidelines of a promotional event for one of his sponsors.
The major change that he needs to implement is being more upright at the point of release. Because he leans to the left, he is not able to transfer his full power to the javelin when he releases it. “I go towards the left a lot if you see my throws. We are focussing on not going towards the left. I waste a lot of power and strength (when I go towards the left) that can be transferred into the javelin. In training, I am able to follow the (new) technique. I am also working a lot on the run-up. The run-up was very good in the Paris Diamond League and the Doha Diamond League but in Bengaluru (NC Classic) it wasn’t great because of the headwind. In Ostrava I felt like I would throw well, but the run-up wasn’t the best. I am trying to ensure a smooth transition between the running phase and the cross-step phase… like a single flow,” Neeraj explained.
A groin strain that has troubled him over the years has not been an issue this season. Neeraj credits staying pain-free to the exercises a doctor in Prague recommended. He also someone Zelezny had consulted, And taking shorter cross steps has helped.
“This year my groin is fine. In January, I was in Prague, and the coach took me to a doctor who had treated him. The doctor asked to do some exercises and that has helped. And the technique that I am trying is also good. Earlier when I did the cross step, I used to take long steps, now I take smaller steps and because of that there is less stress on the groin,” Neeraj said. He had spoken about being frustrated with this particular niggling issue after his silver medal at Paris Olympics last year.
Talking about how coach Zelezny reacts based on his performances, Neeraj said the world record holder is ‘very patient’. “When I do well he is happy and when I don’t, he says it is ok, we still have time. This year’s main target is the Tokyo World Championships,” Neeraj said.
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The world champion and double Olympic medalist will be based in Prague and Nymburk in the Czech Republic for the next two months ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo, which starts on September 13. He will travel overseas with the satisfaction of hosting a successful inaugural NC Classic with a turnout of nearly 15,000.
“I was wondering if it will be successful, will people come to watch? But almost a 15,000-plus crowd was there. People enjoyed and loved the event. The experience was different, and I was a little worried because the competition was named after me. I was working on all the small details. I felt like I had invited everyone for a meal at my home,” Neeraj said.
His family was also in Bengaluru to watch the NC Classic, a memory Neeraj will cherish. “My mother started crying when I fell after my first throw. She keeps asking me why I lift such heavy weights in training. But that is how mothers are. My dadaji (grandfather) was also there, he took his first flight, he is 70-plus now.”
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
