<p><strong>Neeraj Chopra</strong> is India's final hope to get a gold medal at the <strong>Tokyo Olympics 2020</strong>. If he wins gold in Javelin, he will become India's second athlete, after Abhinav Bindra, to win an individual <strong>gold</strong> in Olympics for the country. The Indian thrower finished on top of the qualifiers round. Chopra qualified for the men's javelin final in a stunning first attempt of 86.65m on Wednesday at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Neeraj's biggest rival and a contender for Gold, Johannes Vetter (from Germany), qualified in his third attempt with a throw of 85.64m. Finland's Lassi Etelatalo is the third automatic qualification with a throw of 84.50m. Germany's Johannes Vetter is the only male javelin thrower in the world to have gone beyond the 90m-mark in the last 24 months. He has shown some prolific form in recent competitions and has gone past 90-mark on 18 different occasions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/from-ravi-kumar-to-pv-sindhu-indian-athletes-with-mind-boggling-cash-rewards-after-winning-medals-in-tokyo-olympics-india-403367" hreflang="en">From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympics</a></p>

<h2><strong>Here's all you need to know about Neeraj Chopra's throw in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 men’s javelin final:</strong></h2>

<h2 id="13"><strong>What time is Neeraj Chopra's throw in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 men’s javelin final?</strong></h2>

<p id="14">The event is scheduled for 4:30 PM IST on Saturday, August 7. The match will be at the Olympics Stadium in Tokyo.</p>

<h2 id="15"><strong>Which TV channel will telecast Neeraj Chopra's throw in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 men’s javelin final?</strong></h2>

<p id="16">Sony Sports Network is the official broadcaster of the Tokyo Olympics in India. The event can be watched at Sony Ten 1 SD/HD channels. Apart from that Indians can also watch it on the DD National channel.</p>

<h2 id="17"><strong>How can I stream Neeraj Chopra's throw in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 men’s javelin final?</strong></h2>

<p id="18">The Tokyo Olympics men’s javelin final can be live-streamed on the Sony LIV app.</p>


Neeraj Chopra is India's final hope to get a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. If he wins gold in Javelin, he will become India's second athlete, after Abhinav Bindra, to win an individual gold in Olympics for the country.

Neeraj Chopra is India's final hope to get a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. If he wins gold in Javelin, he will become India's second athlete, after Abhinav Bindra, to win an individual gold in Olympics for the country. The Indian thrower finished on top of the qualifiers round. Chopra qualified for the men's javelin final in a stunning first attempt of 86.65m on Wednesday at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Neeraj's biggest rival and a contender for Gold, Johannes Vetter (from Germany), qualified in his third attempt with a throw of 85.64m. Finland's Lassi Etelatalo is the third automatic qualification with a throw of 84.50m. Germany's Johannes Vetter is the only male javelin thrower in the world to have gone beyond the 90m-mark in the last 24 months. He has shown some prolific form in recent competitions and has gone past 90-mark on 18 different occasions. ALSO READ: From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympics Here's all you need to know about Neeraj Chopra's throw in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 men’s javelin final: What time is Neeraj Chopra's throw in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 men’s javelin final? The event is scheduled for 4:30 PM IST on Saturday, August 7. The match will be at the Olympics Stadium in Tokyo. Which TV channel will telecast Neeraj Chopra's throw in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 men’s javelin final? Sony Sports Network is the official broadcaster of the Tokyo Olympics in India. The event can be watched at Sony Ten 1 SD/HD channels. Apart from that Indians can also watch it on the DD National channel. How can I stream Neeraj Chopra's throw in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 men’s javelin final? The Tokyo Olympics men’s javelin final can be live-streamed on the Sony LIV app.

Tokyo Olympics 2020, Live Streaming: When and where to watch Neeraj Chopra's throw in men’s javelin final?

<p>With a gold medal in javelin, Neeraj Chopra has become the second Indian after Abhinav Bindra to win an individual gold medal for India at Tokyo Olympics 2020.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-neeraj-chopras-javelin-throw-that-won-india-its-first-ever-athletics-gold-watch-403719" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Neeraj Chopra's javelin throw that won India its first-ever athletics gold - WATCH</a></p>

<p>Chopra won India's first Olympic athletics gold medal with a throw of 87.58 metres in the men's javelin event.</p>

<p>Twitter has erupted in celebration over this&nbsp;historic win. Let's see what the netizens have to say:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">History has been scripted at Tokyo! What <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> has achieved today will be remembered forever. The young Neeraj has done exceptionally well. He played with remarkable passion and showed unparalleled grit. Congratulations to him for winning the Gold. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/2NcGgJvfMS">https://t.co/2NcGgJvfMS</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1423982290296721411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And Gold it is for <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> .Take a bow, young man ! You have fulfilled a nation's dream. Thank you!<br />
Also, welcome to the club - a much needed addition! Extremely proud. I am so delighted for you.</p>
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) <a href="https://twitter.com/Abhinav_Bindra/status/1423979585834680329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Yes boy !! You did it . The country salutes you 👏🏽🙋‍♂️ so proud of you 👏🏽👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽! 🥇 <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a></p>
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) <a href="https://twitter.com/YUVSTRONG12/status/1423980555603873794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="cy">Brilliant brilliant brilliant 🥇💪👏.. <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TokyoOlympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TokyoOlympics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NeerajChopra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NeerajChopra</a></p>
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSaina/status/1423979633989492739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations Neeraj Chopra for winning <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gold</a> medal for India in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a><br />
Your achievement will inspire young athletes to work hard and bring glory for India. Well done! <a href="https://t.co/wWNxgmId7v">pic.twitter.com/wWNxgmId7v</a></p>
— Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/rsprasad/status/1423982998144180226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">NEERAJ 🥇 CHOPRA<br />
<br />
India’s 🇮🇳 Golden Boy !<br />
<br />
India’s Olympic History has been scripted!<br />
<br />
Your superbly soaring throw<br />
deserves a Billion Cheers !<br />
<br />
Your name will be etched in the history books with golden letters.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> <a href="https://t.co/Xe6OYlCedq">pic.twitter.com/Xe6OYlCedq</a></p>
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) <a href="https://twitter.com/ianuragthakur/status/1423980756280373258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hail Neeraj Chopra! Hail Indian Army for enabling him to win Olympic Gold.Jai Hind 🇮🇳</p>
— Ved Malik (@Vedmalik1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vedmalik1/status/1423981304899506182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Javelin throw is arguably the most frequently used image for commemorative coins. We need to have one officially released depicting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NeerajChopra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NeerajChopra</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ianuragthakur?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ianuragthakur</a> <a href="https://t.co/034m0ISTis">pic.twitter.com/034m0ISTis</a></p>
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) <a href="https://twitter.com/anandmahindra/status/1423981694357544960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">History has been scripted!<br />
<br />
Beyond proud of Javelin thrower <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> for winning the Gold Medal at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics2020</a>!<br />
<br />
Today, the entire nation shall rejoice in this glorious victory! Many, many Congratulations to you!</p>
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/1423981644520644610?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">History created &amp; nailed !!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NeerajChopra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NeerajChopra</a> what a delightful performance… unbelievable! Biggest congratulations on winning the Olympic gold in javelin &amp; the first in athletics in a 100 years , from india . This is beautiful… next level … ecstatic ⭐️<br />
What a rockstar. <a href="https://t.co/v7rCTTQEzD">pic.twitter.com/v7rCTTQEzD</a></p>
— Dipannita Sharma (@Dipannitasharma) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dipannitasharma/status/1423982819072565248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Milkha Singh ji last wish was that we wish to see an Indian winning a medal in Athletics in Olympics , today <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> has done it, this is the best tribute to Late Milkha Singh ji <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NeerajChopra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NeerajChopra</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaAtTokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaAtTokyo2020</a></p>
— 🇮🇳 JaiRaj (@KhelJeevi) <a href="https://twitter.com/KhelJeevi/status/1423983427087323141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic won silver with 86.67 metres, and Vitezslav Vesely took bronze with 85.44 metres.</p>

<p>With Chopra's gold, India's medal total at Tokyo Games, stands at seven, surpassing the number of medals won at the 2012 London Olympics (six medals). It's the most medals India has ever won in one edition of the Olympics.</p>


With a gold medal in javelin, Neeraj Chopra has become the second Indian after Abhinav Bindra to win an individual gold medal for India at Tokyo Olympics 2020. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Neeraj Chopra's javelin throw that won India its first-ever athletics gold - WATCH Chopra won India's first Olympic athletics gold medal with a throw of 87.

With a gold medal in javelin, Neeraj Chopra has become the second Indian after Abhinav Bindra to win an individual gold medal for India at Tokyo Olympics 2020. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Neeraj Chopra's javelin throw that won India its first-ever athletics gold - WATCH Chopra won India's first Olympic athletics gold medal with a throw of 87.58 metres in the men's javelin event. Twitter has erupted in celebration over this historic win. Let's see what the netizens have to say: History has been scripted at Tokyo! What @Neeraj_chopra1 has achieved today will be remembered forever. The young Neeraj has done exceptionally well. He played with remarkable passion and showed unparalleled grit. Congratulations to him for winning the Gold. #Tokyo2020 https://t.co/2NcGgJvfMS — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2021 × And Gold it is for @Neeraj_chopra1 .Take a bow, young man ! You have fulfilled a nation's dream. Thank you! Also, welcome to the club - a much needed addition! Extremely proud. I am so delighted for you. — Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) August 7, 2021 × Yes boy !! You did it . The country salutes you 👏🏽🙋‍♂️ so proud of you 👏🏽👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽! 🥇 @Neeraj_chopra1 — Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) August 7, 2021 × Brilliant brilliant brilliant 🥇💪👏.. @Neeraj_chopra1 #TokyoOlympics #Gold #TeamIndia #NeerajChopra — Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) August 7, 2021 × Congratulations Neeraj Chopra for winning #Gold medal for India in #Olympics Your achievement will inspire young athletes to work hard and bring glory for India. Well done! pic.twitter.com/wWNxgmId7v — Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) August 7, 2021 × NEERAJ 🥇 CHOPRA India’s 🇮🇳 Golden Boy ! India’s Olympic History has been scripted! Your superbly soaring throw deserves a Billion Cheers ! Your name will be etched in the history books with golden letters.#Tokyo2020 @Neeraj_chopra1 pic.twitter.com/Xe6OYlCedq — Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) August 7, 2021 × Hail Neeraj Chopra! Hail Indian Army for enabling him to win Olympic Gold.Jai Hind 🇮🇳 — Ved Malik (@Vedmalik1) August 7, 2021 × The Javelin throw is arguably the most frequently used image for commemorative coins. We need to have one officially released depicting #NeerajChopra @narendramodi @ianuragthakur pic.twitter.com/034m0ISTis — anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) August 7, 2021 × History has been scripted! Beyond proud of Javelin thrower @Neeraj_chopra1 for winning the Gold Medal at the #Olympics2020! Today, the entire nation shall rejoice in this glorious victory! Many, many Congratulations to you! — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 7, 2021 × History created & nailed !!! #NeerajChopra what a delightful performance… unbelievable! Biggest congratulations on winning the Olympic gold in javelin & the first in athletics in a 100 years , from india . This is beautiful… next level … ecstatic ⭐️ What a rockstar. pic.twitter.com/v7rCTTQEzD — Dipannita Sharma (@Dipannitasharma) August 7, 2021 × Milkha Singh ji last wish was that we wish to see an Indian winning a medal in Athletics in Olympics , today @Neeraj_chopra1 has done it, this is the best tribute to Late Milkha Singh ji #NeerajChopra #IndiaAtTokyo2020 — 🇮🇳 JaiRaj (@KhelJeevi) August 7, 2021 × Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic won silver with 86.67 metres, and Vitezslav Vesely took bronze with 85.44 metres. With Chopra's gold, India's medal total at Tokyo Games, stands at seven, surpassing the number of medals won at the 2012 London Olympics (six medals). It's the most medals India has ever won in one edition of the Olympics.

'Welcome to the club': PM Modi, Abhinav Bindra and others praise Neeraj Chopra for Olympics gold medal

<p>As India gets set to challenge the best in the world at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-fireworks-get-tokyos-no-frills-opening-ceremony-underway-400078"><strong>Tokyo Olympics</strong></a>, Germany's Johannes Vetter has declared that India's javelin ace&nbsp;Neeraj Chopra will find it tough to beat him.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-day-1-live-updates-indian-team-enters-stadium-as-world-athletes-gather-399834"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>Tokyo Olympics 2020 Day 1 Live Updates</a></p>

<p>Chopra, 23, who is the &nbsp;<strong>2018 Asian Games</strong> and <strong>Commonwealth Games</strong> champion, has been in fine form. He recorded a personal best of 88.07m at&nbsp;the Indian Grand Prix in March.</p>

<p>"He (Chopra) threw good throws twice this year. Above 86m in Finland (86.79m at the Kuortane Games). If he is healthy and if he is in the right shape, especially in his technique, he can throw far," <strong>Vetter </strong>said ahead of the duel with the Indian star.</p>

<p>Vetter, 28, said he was looking to throw 90m in Tokyo, asserting that "it will be tough for him to beat me."</p>

<p>The German had won gold at the Kuortane Games as <strong>Neeraj Chopra </strong>ended in third place with a bronze. Vetter had missed out on the bronze medal at Rio in 2016.</p>

<p>The restrictions due to the<strong> pandemic</strong> had hampered Chopra's preparations for the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/athletics-swiss-hurdler-kariem-hussein-out-of-games-after-doping-ban-400024"> Olympic</a> event this year, however, the Indian medal hope has kept his focus despite uncertainty surrounding the Olympic Games.</p>

<p>The Indian <strong>javelin thrower</strong> threw 87.86m at the Athletics Central North East meeting in South Africa to qualify for the Tokyo games. Chopra was hit with an elbow injury earlier, however, he came back strongly and is now eyeing a medal at the mega event.</p>

<p>The qualification event for the men's javelin throw will take place on August 4 with the final set on August 7.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Agencies)</em></p>


As India gets set to challenge the best in the world at the Tokyo Olympics, Germany's Johannes Vetter has declared that India's javelin ace Neeraj Chopra will find it tough to beat him.

As India gets set to challenge the best in the world at the Tokyo Olympics, Germany's Johannes Vetter has declared that India's javelin ace Neeraj Chopra will find it tough to beat him. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics 2020 Day 1 Live Updates Chopra, 23, who is the 2018 Asian Games and Commonwealth Games champion, has been in fine form. He recorded a personal best of 88.07m at the Indian Grand Prix in March. "He (Chopra) threw good throws twice this year. Above 86m in Finland (86.79m at the Kuortane Games). If he is healthy and if he is in the right shape, especially in his technique, he can throw far," Vetter said ahead of the duel with the Indian star. Vetter, 28, said he was looking to throw 90m in Tokyo, asserting that "it will be tough for him to beat me." The German had won gold at the Kuortane Games as Neeraj Chopra ended in third place with a bronze. Vetter had missed out on the bronze medal at Rio in 2016. The restrictions due to the pandemic had hampered Chopra's preparations for the Olympic event this year, however, the Indian medal hope has kept his focus despite uncertainty surrounding the Olympic Games. The Indian javelin thrower threw 87.86m at the Athletics Central North East meeting in South Africa to qualify for the Tokyo games. Chopra was hit with an elbow injury earlier, however, he came back strongly and is now eyeing a medal at the mega event. The qualification event for the men's javelin throw will take place on August 4 with the final set on August 7. (With inputs from Agencies)

Tokyo Olympics: Germany's Johannes Vetter eyes bitter clash with India's javelin ace Neeraj Chopra

<p>India's javelin star Neeraj Chopra said Wednesday that the lack of international competition because of coronavirus restrictions has badly hampered preparations for his first Olympic Games.</p>

<p>Chopra, a farmer's son from a village outside of Delhi, became a track and field star after winning the javelin gold at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games in 2018.</p>

<p>Having qualified for the Tokyo Olympics last year, he recorded a personal best of 88.07m in the Indian Grand Prix in March.</p>

<p>But an elbow injury in 2019 and then the pandemic have robbed him of the chance to get closer to the world's best.</p>

<p>"I need to compete in international tournaments," the 23-year-old told a virtual press conference.</p>

<p>"If we cannot take part in competitions then what is the use of training. To rise to the Olympic level, you need international exposure."</p>

<p>Germany's Johannes Vetter leads the current javelin rankings with a personal best of 97.76m.</p>

<p>"I am close to breaching the 90-metre mark and can do it if I get competition," said Chopra.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The present group of seven or eight javelin throwers across the globe is the best in history with everyone recording over 90m.</p>

<p>"It is my first Olympics, like many others, so your confidence must be high. And we will get this confidence through these events."</p>

<p>Chopra and the rest of India's best athletes missed a recent trip to Turkey for training and competition due to a 14-day quarantine.</p>

<p>Doubts have been expressed about the viability of the Tokyo Games because of a pandemic surge in Asia, but Chopra said athletes have to keep their focus.</p>

<p>"We have to stay positive to prepare for the Olympics amid this negative atmosphere where there is a raging pandemic and so many people are dying," said Chopra, who received a first dose of a vaccine two weeks ago.</p>

<p>"We just have to keep preparing as athletes despite the uncertainty surrounding the Olympics."</p>

<p>India has been hit by a devastating new coronavirus wave in recent weeks, recording over 250,000 deaths as hospitals battle shortages of medical oxygen and beds.</p>

<p>Chopra said he has shut out news broadcasts to focus on his Olympic preparation.</p>

<p>"I have stopped listening to any kind of news on the mobile or TV as everywhere there are stories of Covid positive cases and deaths," he said from his room at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala.</p>

<p>"It plays on the mind, as even while talking to family members the talk is about deaths of distant relatives. So we are trying to stay away from this and maintain our focus."</p>


India's javelin star Neeraj Chopra said Wednesday that the lack of international competition because of coronavirus restrictions has badly hampered preparations for his first Olympic Games.

India's javelin star Neeraj Chopra said Wednesday that the lack of international competition because of coronavirus restrictions has badly hampered preparations for his first Olympic Games. Chopra, a farmer's son from a village outside of Delhi, became a track and field star after winning the javelin gold at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games in 2018. Having qualified for the Tokyo Olympics last year, he recorded a personal best of 88.07m in the Indian Grand Prix in March. But an elbow injury in 2019 and then the pandemic have robbed him of the chance to get closer to the world's best. "I need to compete in international tournaments," the 23-year-old told a virtual press conference. "If we cannot take part in competitions then what is the use of training. To rise to the Olympic level, you need international exposure." Germany's Johannes Vetter leads the current javelin rankings with a personal best of 97.76m. "I am close to breaching the 90-metre mark and can do it if I get competition," said Chopra. "The present group of seven or eight javelin throwers across the globe is the best in history with everyone recording over 90m. "It is my first Olympics, like many others, so your confidence must be high. And we will get this confidence through these events." Chopra and the rest of India's best athletes missed a recent trip to Turkey for training and competition due to a 14-day quarantine. Doubts have been expressed about the viability of the Tokyo Games because of a pandemic surge in Asia, but Chopra said athletes have to keep their focus. "We have to stay positive to prepare for the Olympics amid this negative atmosphere where there is a raging pandemic and so many people are dying," said Chopra, who received a first dose of a vaccine two weeks ago. "We just have to keep preparing as athletes despite the uncertainty surrounding the Olympics." India has been hit by a devastating new coronavirus wave in recent weeks, recording over 250,000 deaths as hospitals battle shortages of medical oxygen and beds. Chopra said he has shut out news broadcasts to focus on his Olympic preparation. "I have stopped listening to any kind of news on the mobile or TV as everywhere there are stories of Covid positive cases and deaths," he said from his room at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala. "It plays on the mind, as even while talking to family members the talk is about deaths of distant relatives. So we are trying to stay away from this and maintain our focus."

India's Neeraj Chopra says virus restrictions hit Olympic hopes