Kishore Jena Talks About Neeraj Chopra and Rivalry with Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem at Paris Olympics
Indian javelin thrower Kishore Jena opened up about the expectations from ‘Golden Boy’ Neeraj Chopra and the rivalry with Pakistan’s ace Arshad Nadeem. In the men’s javelin throw event at the ongoing Paris Olympics, Jena is set to feature in Group A, while Neeraj is placed in Group B alongside Arshad in the qualification round, which will take place on Tuesday. Athletes who breach the qualifying mark of 84.00m will make it into the final.
While talking about his preparation for the event, Jena vowed to give his 100 per cent in his Olympic debut. “Preparation is very good, and we are getting a lot of support from here. It will be good. I will give my best tomorrow. I will play like a finalist. It is my first time, so I will give 100 per cent,” Jena said.
All eyes will be on Neeraj, who is the defending gold medallist in the event. The reigning Olympic and world champion has produced a season-best attempt of 88.36m before arriving in Paris. He would be keen to send his javelin to a distance that allows him to defend his gold medal in the ongoing edition. While talking about expectations from the 26-year-old, Jena wished his compatriot the best for his upcoming gold medal defence. “You know how much Indian athletics has grown because of Neeraj bhai. Everyone has high hopes for him. It feels good that he is with us. He is staying with us. We wish him well,” he added.
While the focus of the entire world will be on Neeraj’s quest to retain his gold medal, the theme of rivalry also lingers in the men’s javelin event. The arch-rivalry between India and Pakistan is not restrained to cricket. The touch of rivalry has existed in the world of javelin as well. Arshad and Neeraj have produced some gripping battles over the years, and fans will expect another one to unfold in one of the biggest sporting events. Ahead of the highly-anticipated rivalry for the fans, the Asian Games silver medallist gave his take on him and Neeraj facing Arshad and said, “No, it’s not like that. Since it’s the Olympics, a lot of countries have come. We don’t think like that. There is nothing like that. It is friendly when we meet them. I also meet them. There is no such intention.”
Doubts Revealed
Kishore Jena -: Kishore Jena is an Indian athlete who throws a javelin, which is a long spear-like object.
Neeraj Chopra -: Neeraj Chopra is a famous Indian javelin thrower who won a gold medal at the last Olympics.
Arshad Nadeem -: Arshad Nadeem is a javelin thrower from Pakistan, and he competes against Indian athletes like Neeraj Chopra.
Paris Olympics -: The Paris Olympics is a big sports event happening in Paris, where athletes from all over the world compete in different sports.
Olympic debut -: Olympic debut means it is the first time Kishore Jena is participating in the Olympics.
season-best attempt -: Season-best attempt means the best performance or throw that Neeraj Chopra has achieved in the current sports season.
88.36m -: 88.36m is the distance Neeraj Chopra threw the javelin, which is very far and a great achievement.
India-Pakistan rivalry -: India-Pakistan rivalry refers to the competitive and sometimes tense relationship between India and Pakistan, especially in sports.
