In a candid conversation with Lallantop, Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, widely regarded as India’s pride in javelin throw, expressed deep concerns over the growing issue of doping in Indian athletics. As the face of Indian sports, Chopra’s voice carries significant weight, and his recent statements shed light on a serious challenge that continues to plague the nation’s athletes. He emphasized the need for a shift in mindset, urging athletes and coaches to reject performance-enhancing drugs in favor of hard work, discipline, and proper guidance.
The Doping Crisis in Indian Sports
Doping has been a long-standing issue in the world of sports, and India is no stranger to its repercussions. A recent study by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) highlighted India as having the highest number of drug cheats globally in 2022. Furthermore, the study also found India to be the second-worst country in terms of positive doping cases among minors, drawing alarming attention to the gravity of the situation.
Neeraj Chopra, who won an Olympic gold medal in 2020 and secured a silver in the 2024 Olympics, is a prominent figure who believes in the power of clean sport. In his interview, he noted that doping is becoming a serious problem in Indian athletics, and its consequences are far-reaching, not just for individual athletes but also for the nation’s sports culture as a whole.
The Psychological Impact of Doping: A Dangerous Path
Chopra emphasized that once doping enters an athlete’s mind, it becomes incredibly difficult to reverse the mindset. He explained that athletes often believe that performance-enhancing drugs are the shortcut to success, but this perception is far from the truth. “Once doping is in the mind, it gets hard in the future. Athletes become unable to perform at their peak level,” Chopra remarked.
The consequences of doping are severe, and Chopra did not mince words when explaining what happens when athletes are caught using banned substances. He highlighted that once an athlete fails a doping test, they face a ban of 2-4 years, which often spells the end of their career. “There is no life in that,” Chopra said, underscoring the importance of making the right choices early in one’s career.
The Role of Coaches in Shaping the Future
Chopra’s call to action extends beyond the athletes themselves. He stressed that coaches play a crucial role in shaping an athlete’s career and mindset. Instead of encouraging or tolerating doping, coaches must focus on guiding athletes through proper training methods, nutrition, rest, and mental conditioning. According to Chopra, the focus should always be on hard work, self-belief, and following the right path, both on and off the field.
“I request the coaches to not tell them that doping will help them and keep them far away from it,” Chopra urged. Coaches must instill the belief that success is achievable through dedication and effort, not shortcuts.
Building a Stronger Sports Culture in India
Chopra is optimistic about the future of Indian sports, provided that the right mindset is nurtured. He believes that if athletes embrace clean sport and focus on holistic development, India can witness significant improvements in its sports performance. However, this change needs to start from the grassroots level, where young athletes need to be made aware of the dangers of doping and the benefits of a disciplined and natural approach to training.
He also touched upon the importance of a balanced lifestyle, advising athletes to eat well, rest adequately, and focus on improving their craft through hard work. “Eat well, rest well, and work hard. Do everything properly,” he added, reinforcing the importance of a healthy and focused approach to achieving success in sports.
Conclusion: A New Dawn for Indian Athletics
Neeraj Chopra’s message is clear: doping has no place in Indian sports. By focusing on discipline, dedication, and proper guidance, Indian athletes can achieve remarkable success without resorting to performance-enhancing drugs. As Chopra continues to inspire the nation with his own achievements, his call for a mindset change could prove to be the key to transforming Indian sports into a powerhouse of clean and fair competition.
With a collective effort from athletes, coaches, and stakeholders, the fight against doping in Indian athletics can be won, paving the way for a brighter, healthier future for Indian sports.
