Both Neeraj and Arshad started with foul throws in their opening attempts. However, when Nadeem returned for his second throw, he threw the spear a gigantic 92.97m far to set a new Olympic record and leave the crowd stunned.
With the pressure mounting, Neeraj stepped up for his second throw. After a confident stretch and shoulder roll, he marked his season-best distance of 89.45 meters. But it remained his best throw of the final, and thus behind Nadeem’s.
(AFP Photo)
Neeraj’s last four throws were red-flagged as fouls.
Three-time Paralympic medallist and the current president of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), Devendra Jhajharia, believes Neeraj striving to throw beyond 93 meters led to the four fouls.
In an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com, Jhajharia discussed Neeraj’s silver-medal finish, the upcoming Paralympic Games, and much more …
As India prepares for the Paris Paralympics, what message would you like to convey to the athletes?
A large contingent of 84 athletes is heading to Paris, representing India. I’m in regular touch with each of them, encouraging them to stay focused on delivering their best performance and not to let the pressure get to them. I urge them to play to the best of their abilities and make India proud.
With India having won a record 25 medals in Tokyo, do you believe they can exceed this achievement in Paris?
We delivered historic performances in Tokyo, and for the Paralympics this time, I feel our athletes have prepared very well. The Khelo India scheme has also benefited the players. They are training in centers with a special focus on the Paralympics podium this time. The players have been preparing for this for a long time. When I won a medal in Tokyo and returned, within one and a half months I received a call from the Sports Authority of India asking where I would like to train for the Paris Olympics. Considering all of this, I can confidently say that we will win more than 25 medals this time because we have prepared very well.
Who do you consider the top medal contenders for the Paris Paralympics?
Our athletes are in excellent form in shooting, badminton, archery and many other sports. We have individuals like Sumit, who have broken world records. We also have many other highly skilled players.
As the most successful Paralympian with two gold and one silver in Javelin, how challenging is it to defend your title with so many expectations resting on you?
It’s a challenge because everyone expects you to win a medal based on previous success, but each day is a new beginning for athletes. Injuries can occur, and performance can fluctuate. I believe one should give their best, and I convey the same message to the players: just give your best.
Do you think Neeraj faced significant pressure in his competition against Arshad Nadeem while defending his Tokyo gold?
Whenever any player performs well, I don’t pressure them. Neeraj’s father told me he had an injury, but he still did his best. He threw over 89 meters. I am so happy with his performance. The other athlete, Arshad Nadeem, also gave his best.
With only one legal throw out of six, how would you assess Neeraj’s performance in the final? What do you think went wrong?
When Nadeem threw 92.97 meters, there was, of course, pressure on Neeraj. He threw over 89 meters. In his remaining four attempts, Neeraj wanted to throw over 93 meters. Neeraj knew he had already thrown over 89 meters and was in second position, and another 89-meter throw wouldn’t have made any difference. He wanted to throw over 93 meters and put in extra effort so that he could beat Nadeem. His extra effort resulted in four fouls. For outstanding performances, you need to put in extra effort.
Do you think Neeraj can win a gold medal in Los Angeles and join you as a three-time Olympic medalist?
I have seen Neeraj grow up. I have also trained with him. He is a very passionate sportsperson. He is crazy about javelin. He is so focused, very humble. I am sure he is going to make a hat-trick of Olympic medals in Los Angeles.
Do you think losing the gold medal to an athlete from Pakistan will haunt Neeraj for a while?
I don’t think there is anything like that. There are over 200 countries that participate in the Olympics. They compete under the same roof. We need to respect each other as sports persons. The Olympics is a big stage, and we need to respect every aspect of it. Neeraj has won a medal, and we are all proud of him.