Prior to his attendance at the Wanda Diamond League, brand ambassador and javelin star, Neeraj Chopra made time to meet the press at the OMEGA Boutique in Doha on May 8th.
Chopra earned gold at the Tokyo Olympic Games becoming the first Indian track and field athlete to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games. His best throw currently is 89.94m which was achieved at the Wanda Diamond League Stockholm on June 30th, 2022.
This was his third time competing in the country and he started his 2024 season with a second-place finish at the Doha Diamond League 2024 on Friday.
“Qatar has emerged as a significant destination for sports, especially after the FIFA World Cup. I've noticed a considerable shift in investment towards athletics, evident from encountering numerous athletes from Qatar during my travels to places like South Africa and Turkey. It's commendable that they're not just channeling funds into hosting events like FIFA, but also into nurturing athletes. Qatar has produced remarkable talents like Mutaz Barshim, known globally for his athletic prowess. Overall, it's truly promising,” said Neeraj Chopra.
He is the reigning Olympic champion and his primary focus for the year lies on the Paris Olympics.
“I can’t really predict the outcomes for such a monumental event. I don’t want to say it myself that I will secure a gold medal because the Olympics gather the world's finest athletes who have all trained rigorously. My approach is to give my absolute best, train relentlessly, and have faith in my abilities.”
He is the current sports ambassador for Omega and his association with the brand just began this year. He said he is particularly drawn to Omega because of its remarkable Olympic journey and its significant contributions to history, including its involvement in the moon landing.
“Omega's rich history, particularly its longstanding partnership with the Olympics, is something I’m glad to be a part of. It's a privilege to be associated with a brand that not only values excellence but also embodies such remarkable legacies, he added.
During the visit, Neeraj wore his OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra « Ultra Light ». His timepiece of choice when competing.
“Being associated with a prestigious brand like Omega has been incredibly rewarding. Not only does it evoke a sense of pride and luxury, but it also aligns with my aspirations as an athlete. Omega's collaboration with the Olympics holds significant meaning for me, as the Olympics represent the pinnacle of achievement for athletes.”