India’s double Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra is gearing up for the much-anticipated NC Classic, but ahead of the event, he took a break from training for a candid chat with official broadcasters JioStar, offering a fun mix of insights, reflections, and even a few cheeky predictions.In a light-hearted moment, Neeraj revealed which cricketer he believes could’ve excelled in his sport: “I have heard that Brett Lee was a javelin thrower. I think he could throw the javelin well, especially when he was in his peak years.”Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Lee, known for his blistering pace during his cricketing career, apparently has a javelin past — something Neeraj found intriguing.But that wasn’t his only cricket-javelin crossover. India’s pace ace Jasprit Bumrah was also on Neeraj’s wishlist.“I would like to try javelin with Jasprit Bumrah too, and hope he teaches me some bowling skills. While bowling and javelin are both throws, they are very different. I would like to learn from Bumrah.”Asked whose superpower he’d want to borrow for the perfect javelin throw, Neeraj didn’t hesitate: “Sachin Tendulkar. He represented our country so well for so many years. The way he faced challenges from many great bowlers and still performed exceptionally — I would want that superpower. It would help me handle challenges with a calm mindset.”Despite being at the top of his game, Neeraj steers clear of superstition on event day, adding, “I don’t think too much about it. I just focus on giving my 100%. I try to stay relaxed, eat good food, and rest well.”As for the best piece of advice he’s received? That came from his coach, Jan Železný, the world record holder in javelin.“He tells me to run in a flow — like an 18-year-old without tension. That it shouldn’t feel tight. I’m learning the importance of flow. Like Roger Federer — it never seemed like he was putting in too much effort. I’m trying to bring that into my training.”
Closing out the conversation, Neeraj found a fitting cricketing comparison for javelin technique: “The Helicopter Shot by MS Dhoni.”With the Neeraj Chopra Classic around the corner, fans can expect more than just record-breaking throws — perhaps even a few friendly crossover challenges with cricket’s best.
