Neeraj Chopra Celebrates AFI Awards and Looks Ahead to Competitive Season
Neeraj Chopra Reflects on AFI Awards and Future Goals
New Delhi, June 21: Two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra expressed his joy at the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) Awards ceremony, highlighting it as a chance to connect with both seasoned athletes and rising stars, while also marking a promising start to his competitive season.
During a conversation with reporters at the event, Chopra conveyed his contentment with his performance and emphasized his commitment to achieving even better results as the season unfolds.
“It’s wonderful that the Athletics Federation of India has created this platform for everyone. Meeting both veteran athletes and newcomers was a delight... I’m pleased with my performance, and since this was the first competition of the year, I’m hopeful for more achievements ahead,” he stated.
The inaugural AFI Awards brought together top track and field athletes and officials from across the nation, celebrating their contributions and successes in athletics.
Sprinter Gurindervir Singh also shared his thoughts on the event, expressing his satisfaction with the recognition given to athletes and his own progress.
He mentioned that his main focus has been on the Asian Games rather than aiming for specific records. “I hold high expectations for myself; I’m training diligently and aspire to achieve strong results. I’m thrilled about this evening’s event; the Athletics Federation invited us and gave us a reason to feel proud. My primary goal is to excel in the upcoming Games and bring honor to India... I wasn’t specifically trying to break a record; it just happened naturally as I met my training goals faster than expected,” he explained.
At the AFI Awards, Neeraj Chopra was honored with the title of ‘Best Male Athlete of the Year 2025,’ presented by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. He recently kicked off his 2026 season by qualifying for the upcoming Commonwealth Games after a successful performance at the Doha Diamond League.
While accepting the award, Neeraj encouraged the youth to remain dedicated and patient in their pursuits. He addressed the common perception that European and American athletes are superior, asserting that “Indians possess the potential to achieve greatness.”
“My advice is to keep working hard and be patient. Don’t rush your progress; you have your entire career ahead of you. Avoid injuries, listen to your team, and believe in yourself. Many think that athletes from Europe or America are stronger, but I believe we have the capability to achieve anything. Our performances speak for themselves, and I’m confident that with faith and patience, remarkable things will happen,” he remarked.
Neeraj finished fourth in the Doha Diamond League, marking his return to competition after an eight-month hiatus due to a back injury. Although he had a foul throw on his first attempt, he managed to secure a throw of 85.69 meters, showcasing a solid comeback.
Reflecting on his return, Chopra expressed his happiness at being back in action and looked forward to further improvements as the season progresses. “It felt great to compete again after such a long time, and I’m optimistic about doing even better as the year continues,” he concluded.