Photo via The Times of India

How Neeraj Chopra's javelin helped Rohit Yadav win Asian Games bronze

Rohit Yadav’s bronze medal in the Asian Games javelin final was made possible by an unexpected boost from Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra. After Yadav’s preferred javelin was damaged during transit ahead of the National Inter State Championships in Bhubaneswar—where he threw a personal best of 87.05m—he struggled at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, finishing seventh with 81.56m.

With the Asian Games approaching, Yadav reached out to Chopra, who had withdrawn from competition due to an ankle injury. Chopra sent a signed javelin to Yadav, though it couldn’t be used in Delhi’s final series due to registration rules.

Yadav took it to Japan, where he threw 84.35m to secure bronze, crediting Chopra’s implement for his confidence. The two athletes remain in contact, with Chopra encouraging Yadav to aim for future Diamond League and Olympic qualification.

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