'If He Fixes This, Neeraj Will Go 95 metre': Chopra's Main Issue in Identified by Veteran Coach

Neeraj Chopra returned to action at the Lausanne Diamond League to improve his rankings. India's golden boy recently came off a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, but he left no time to go toe-to-toe with top stars. At Lausanne, Switzerland, Chopra put up his best-ever effort as he went past his season-best throw at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Chopra is yet to breach the 90m mark, and he has been struggling to reach the coveted milestone. One of Neeraj Chopra's biggest issues which has been limiting his performance has been flagged out.

Also Read: 'Feeling Is Not Great': Neeraj Chopra Opens Up After Falling Short of 90m Again in Diamond League

Veteran Coach flags Javelin star Neeraj Chopra's biggest issue

Neeraj Chopra smashed a throw of 89.49 meters in his last attempt at the Diamond League in Lausanne. His throw was much better than the one he made in Paris, which earned him a silver. At Lausanne, Neeraj reached a new season best with his sixth attempt. But India's golden boy barely missed the coveted 90m mark.

The athlete's groin injury has been limiting his performance. But a veteran coach pointed out that Neeraj hasn't been using his left side during his throw attempts and also lands on the left side after his attempt. His right leg does not rotate fast because of the groin issue, which, if he fixes, could do wonders and help him reach the elusive target.

"He threw 89.46 m without really using his left side… it has been an issue for him… if he fixes this he will go 95 m… his right leg does not rotate fast enough (causing pressure to his groin)… when he collapses to the left he pulls the javelin and it lands in the left side …

"It happens in a fraction of a second… it’s the hardest part of the throw, but whom am I to see mistakes that Neeraj does… when he broke the world junior record (86.48 18 years old) his coach was telling me that if he hits the block it will go 85+… he has had issues since then)," he tweeted.

Also Read: WATCH | Neeraj Chopra’s Season-Best Throw, Even Better Than Olympics, in Lausanne Diamond League

Neeraj Chopra stood fourth in the Diamond League rankings but picked up pace with the 85.58m shot he made on the fifth attempt. Since only the top three athletes are allowed a sixth attempt, the fifth shot helped him big-time. His last attempt of 89.49 has put him in the second place. Neeraj finished behind Anderson Peters, who delivered a throw of 90.61 meters on his sixth attempt. Neeraj is currently at number three in the overall rankings.

The next Diamond League meeting will take place in Zurich on September 5, 2024, and men's javelin will be a part of the multiple athletic events.

[With PTI Inputs]