Neeraj Chopra's Pre-Diamond League Mountain Biking Retreat Ahead of Asian Games

• Track and field

The months of September and October are shaping up to be monumental for Neeraj Chopra, India's javelin throw sensation. The 25-year-old athlete is not just defending one, but two prestigious titles, at the 2023 Diamond League Final in Eugene, USA, and the Asian Games 2023, respectively.

With the weight of these impending competitions on his shoulders, Chopra is leaving no stone unturned in his quest for excellence. The first challenge awaits Chopra at the 2023 Diamond League Final, slated for September 16 and 17 in Eugene, USA.

Having triumphed previously, he is determined to maintain his status as the reigning champion. Following this, on October 4, the spotlight will once again be on Chopra as he seeks to uphold his title at the Asian Games 2023.

His stellar performance at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, where he clinched the gold medal in javelin, has set the bar high for his upcoming endeavor. To prepare for these crucial competitions, Chopra has embarked on a grueling 12-day training camp in Magglingen, Switzerland, situated approximately 120 kilometers away from Zurich.

This rigorous training regimen is essential to fine-tune his skills and ensure he is in peak physical condition for the challenges ahead. However, even in the midst of rigorous training, it is imperative for athletes like Chopra to find moments of respite to safeguard their mental well-being and overall fitness.

Recently, on a rare day off, the Indian javelin thrower opted to explore the enchanting city of Zurich, Switzerland. True to his nature as a world champion, even his leisure time was filled with adrenaline-pumping activities.

Chopra chose to spend his day mountain biking amidst the picturesque Uetliberg mountains, which encircle Zurich.

Chopra's Zurich Triumph and Season Dominance

Zurich holds a special place in Chopra's heart, as it was in this very city that he made history by winning the 2022 Diamond League Final, becoming the first Indian athlete to achieve this remarkable feat.

His recent participation in the Zurich leg of the 2023 Diamond League season saw him finish second, a testament to his consistent excellence throughout the year. Before the Zurich meet, Chopra had dominated every competition he entered during the season.

He secured victories at the Doha and Lausanne legs of the Diamond League and further solidified his status as India's first-ever world champion in track and field by clinching the gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

As the Asian Games in Hangzhou loom on the horizon, marking the final competitive event of Chopra's 2023 athletics season, the double Olympic and world champion aims to conclude the year on a high note. Adding the Diamond League and Asian Games titles to his illustrious collection of accolades would undoubtedly be the icing on the cake for Neeraj Chopra, a name that continues to shine brightly in the world of athletics.