PM Modi meets Neeraj Chopra, discusses sports, coaching and future prospects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met India’s Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and his wife, Himani Mor , here, and held a wide-ranging discussion that included issues related to sports.

Chopra, 27, who married former tennis player Mor in an intimate ceremony earlier this year, is currently taking a break from competition after a mixed season. The Indian athletics star breached the 90-metre mark at the Doha Diamond League in May, setting a national record with a 90.23m effort, but was unable to defend his World Athletics Championships crown in September, finishing eighth amid fitness challenges.

Met Neeraj Chopra and his wife, Himani Mor, at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg earlier in the day. We had a great interaction on various issues, including sports,” Modi posted on X on Tuesday.

At the start of the season, Chopra brought in Czech javelin legend Jan Zelezny, holder of the men’s world record of 98.48 metres set in 1996 as his new coach. Experts say the combination of high-level technical guidance and recognition from the country’s leadership could help bolster Chopra’s confidence, refine his technique, and strengthen his prospects in future international competitions , including the next World Championships and Olympics.