- Neeraj Chopra Profile: Neeraj Chopra looks very fit today, but many years ago he was ridiculed for his poor fitness. His journey has been a struggle.
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Neeraj Chopra Childhood:
When Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal in the javelin throw competition of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, a new campaign for this sport started all over India. Neeraj has also won a silver medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics and taking inspiration from him, the youth of India has started showing interest in javelin throw. Neeraj comes from Khandra village in Haryana, but very few people are aware of his personal life. Today Neeraj Chopra’s fitness is a source of inspiration for others, but there was a time when some mischievous elements used to bully him. He was so overweight that he was made fun of.
Neeraj has always lived in a joint family and in his childhood he was upset hearing about losing weight. At the age of 13, Neeraj used to be very mischievous, who used to climb trees and break beehives. He used to have fun by holding the tail of a buffalo, but Neeraj’s father Satish Kumar wanted to teach him the meaning of discipline. After telling him many times, finally India’s javelin throw star agreed to pay attention to his weight.
Uncle got me admission in Shivaji Stadium
Neeraj used to consume a lot of milk and ghee, due to which his body fat increased a lot. It is said that at the age of just 11 years, his weight had reached about 80 kg. Due to his high weight as per his age, Neeraj’s family started expressing concern about his fitness. For this reason, his uncle got him admitted to Shivaji Stadium located in Panipat, which is about 15 km away from his village.
Once in the stadium, Neeraj saw some boys practicing javelin throw and one of those boys asked Neeraj to throw the javelin. He threw the javelin with very good technique, after which he got encouragement to move forward in this sport. Neeraj himself also liked this sport, after which he took admission in the academy located in Panchkula.
Neeraj Chopra, India’s golden boy in athletics, wasn’t always the athletic, lean, and agile javelin thrower we know today. Once, he was an overweight child who was often mocked for his weight. At 80 kg as a young boy, Chopra faced challenges far beyond his physical limitations, with his peers ridiculing him for being overweight. However, a family member played a crucial role in turning his life around, steering him on the path to becoming an Olympic champion.
The Early Struggles: An 80 kg Boy Who Was Teased
Born in Khandra, Haryana, Neeraj was far from the sporting icon he is today. As a child, Neeraj loved food and had a carefree lifestyle. This led to him gaining weight at a young age. By the time he was 12, Neeraj weighed nearly 80 kg, which was a cause of concern for his family. However, what made it even more difficult for him was the relentless teasing and bullying he faced from his peers. Being overweight as a child made him an easy target for mockery, and it deeply affected his self-esteem.
A Family Member’s Intervention: The Turning Point
It was Neeraj’s uncle, Bhim Chopra, who recognized that something needed to change. Bhim saw the potential in Neeraj, but he also realized that the constant bullying was taking a toll on his nephew’s mental and physical health. Bhim knew that the solution lay in introducing Neeraj to sports, where he could channel his energy and work on his fitness.
Bhim took Neeraj to the local sports ground, hoping that some form of physical activity would help him lose weight. Neeraj began his fitness journey with running and exercises, but it was when he discovered the javelin that everything changed. The moment he held the javelin, he felt a natural connection, and this was the beginning of his transformation.
A New Direction: Neeraj’s Dedication to Fitness and Sports
Once Neeraj started training, his life took a dramatic turn. With the support and encouragement of his uncle, Neeraj dedicated himself to fitness and javelin training. The weight began to drop, and with it, his confidence soared. No longer the subject of mockery, Neeraj was slowly becoming a respected athlete in his village.
Training regularly, Neeraj worked on improving his technique and building his strength. He pushed himself harder every day, motivated not just by the desire to silence his bullies but also by a newfound love for the sport. His family, especially his uncle Bhim, remained by his side, encouraging him to keep going.
The Rise of a Champion: From Overweight to Olympic Glory
Neeraj’s hard work and dedication paid off as he quickly rose through the ranks in athletics. He won numerous national and international competitions, including the prestigious World U20 Championships, where he set a junior world record. But the pinnacle of his career came in 2021 when Neeraj Chopra made history by winning India’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in athletics at the Tokyo Olympics.
The overweight child who was once mocked for his size had become a national hero. Neeraj’s incredible journey from being teased about his weight to standing on the Olympic podium is a testament to his perseverance, hard work, and the unwavering support of his family, particularly his uncle Bhim.
Conclusion: The Power of Family Support
Neeraj Chopra’s transformation from an 80 kg child to an Olympic champion is an inspiring story of resilience and determination. But what makes this journey even more special is the role his family played in his success. His uncle Bhim’s decision to introduce him to sports and guide him through his initial struggles was the turning point that changed Neeraj’s life forever.
In the end, Neeraj Chopra’s story is not just about overcoming physical challenges, but also about how the love and support of family can help shape one’s destiny. Today, Neeraj is an inspiration to millions, proving that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible.
