Bhubaneswar: India’s maiden Olympic Gold medalist at Tokyo 2020, Neeraj Chopra has become the talk of the town over night for his achievement. While the country is rejoicing the success of Neeraj and congratulatory messages pour in, Odisha finds a special mention in this superb journey of the Golden boy. Neeraj Chopra, as a member of the prospective javelin throw team along with Shivpal Singh, Annu Rani, Rajinder Sing, Rohit Yadav, coaches Uwe Hohn and Dr Klaus, came to Bhubaneswar for a month long training at the Kalinga Stadium Sports Complex Bhubaneswar in December 2020. It was the most important training camp for the members before they went to Tokyo Olympics.
Neeraj was the most optimistic about the Olympics and had said at the beginning of the training camp at Bhubaneswar “We are here for the training camp and prior in 2017, I won gold here and have fond memories of the event and the city. We are a team of five athletes and we will commence our training in full swing. With our best efforts we are hoping to do well at the Olympics and bringing fame for the country.” Earlier in 2017, Neeraj had won the Gold Medal at the Kalinga Stadium for the country in the Asian Athletic Championships.
The Government of Odisha had welcomed the Javelin throwers to the state to train at the crucial time before the Olympics and provided all help to the members including access to all infrastructure, grounds and facilities. Kalinga stadium became a base for the Javelin team before they went to the Olympics. Odisha made every possible effort to ensure that the Covid-19 pandemic stays away from the sports arena. The Javelin team was shifted to Odisha for training because of the cold wave conditions in Patiala.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had asked the state government officials to provide the best facilities available to the Javelin team at the Kalinga Stadium and look after their needs as they look forward to the Olympics at Tokyo. The Chief Minister had also felicitated Neeraj Chopra in 2017 when he won the gold medal in the Asian Athletic Championship hosted at Bhubaneswar. After the gold medal win at Tokyo 2020, CM Naveen Patnaik congratulated him and tweeted.
A golden throw!
Congratulations #NeerajChopra on historic first-ever track & field #Gold medal for India in #Javelin throw at #Tokyo2020. The country is so proud of you. With this, you took India to its highest ever medal tally at the #Olympics. You will inspire generations. pic.twitter.com/fQ5TAeI7Bg
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) August 7, 2021
During his training at the Kalinga Stadium, the ace javelin thrower had said that crossing the 90 meters mark will be the deciding factor in the Olympics and bring a medal for him and the country. Neeraj and the team members had heaped praises on the world class infrastructure, facilities at the Kalinga Stadium complex and support extended by the Government of Odisha.
“Had a great time training at the Kalinga Stadium here in Bhubaneswar. Now looking forward to getting some competition experience under the belt,” Neeraj had tweeted.
Had a great time training at the Kalinga Stadium here in Bhubaneswar. Now looking forward to getting some competition experience under the belt. #tokyoolympics #Roadtotokyo @jswsports pic.twitter.com/1aG6qJHH5B
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) February 13, 2021
Golden Throw! ?????Congratulations @Neeraj_chopra1 ! Indian Javelin Team briefly camped at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha for Olympic training. pic.twitter.com/3yjV038R5z
— Vineel Krishna (@rvineel_krishna) August 7, 2021