Paris 2024: Neeraj Chopra says belief key to success for Indian athletes in Olympics

Neeraj Chopra is gearing up for the Doha Diamond League, on Friday (May 10). However, his focus remains on the big prize -- i.e. the forthcoming Paris Olympics Games. The mega event will kick off on July 26 and all eyes will be on Neeraj to replicate his Tokyo 2020 heroics, where he rose to fame and became a household name with a gold medal in the men's javelin event.

As he continues to prepare for Paris 2024, Neeraj opined that the key to success for Indian athletes in the showpiece event, in July-August, will be maintaining their self-belief. It is to be noted that the European athletes had won 15 of the last 16 gold medals in the men's javelin event before Neeraj scripted history with a throw of 87.58 metres at the Tokyo Games in 2021. Thus, he became the first Asian man to clinch an Olympic javelin title. This time around, he will have to cope with the pressure to match his past success. However,Neeraj feels self-belief will be vital for his success, as well as for the entire Indian contingentin Paris.

'Anything is possible in Paris'

In an interview with Sports Authority of India (SAI) media, Neeraj said, "There was a time when I wasn't even sure of qualifying for the world championships, but see how times have changed."

"In Budapest last year, we had three Indians (out of the top six) in the finals and that's made us believe we're no less than the Europeans, who have dominated world javelin for so long. We have to take this Budapest belief forward and in Paris anything is possible."

The 26-year-old will be joined by compatriot Kishore Jena in Paris, while DP Manu also has a chance of qualifying for this year's Olympics.

Thus, India has seen a rise in the number of javelin stars ever since Neeraj's Tokyo feat, proving that the belief and confidence among Indian athletes to conquer any sport ison the rise.