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New Delhi: After enduring a rollercoaster season, which included the high of the Doha Diamond League and the low of the Tokyo World Championships, Neeraj Chopra is hoping that the Swiss miracle will help him make a “sharper” comeback next year. Fresh from a “challenging” season, Neeraj has retreated to Switzerland to recuperate and rejuvenate as he bids to return stronger and fresher in the next season.

Switzerland, celebrated as the land of beauty, has a special place in Neeraj’s heart. It is home to several cherished moments in Neeraj’s remarkable sporting journey

The ace javelin thrower, who is also widely known as India’s “Golden Boy”, spoke to PTI from Zurich and opened up on a host of topics, including his hopes for the next season, his love for Switzerland and travelling.

“It’s been a really challenging season overall. A lot to be proud of and plenty to learn from. Each competition added to my experience and confidence,” he said, reflecting on the year.

“Of course, there’s always scope to get better, and that’s what keeps me motivated,” said Neeraj in a telephonic interview with PTI.

After years of heartbreaks, particularly since the Tokyo Olympics gold in 2021, Neeraj finally breached the 90m mark at the Doha Diamond League in May.

However, after starting the season on an incredible high, Neeraj was unable to carry the momentum till the end of the season. In the season-ending World Championships in Tokyo, Neeraj produced the worst performance of his career at the same venue on which he won the historic Olympic medal four years ago.

The two-time Olympic medallist finished eighth in the Japanese capital, managing 84.03m, in what was a disastrous title defence. Neeraj was bogged down under the weight of expectations, which resulted in his first medal-less finish in a top global event.

Neeraj, though, has already moved on from the disappointment and is focussing on a strong return in 2026.

“The focus now is on recovery and getting stronger for the next season. The body feels good, and with a bit of rest and recovery, I am confident of coming back sharper,” he said, brushing aside any major concerns regarding his fitness.

Neeraj hoping for a Swiss miracle

Spending time in Switzerland is part of Neeraj’s comeback plan, for it is a place he loves coming back to for recovery sessions. From switching off in the mesmerising Swiss Alps and the beautiful landscapes to the unforgettable train journeys from Interlaken to Bern to Lausanne, Neeraj has found a perfect way to unwind.

“I love Lausanne for its landscape and Zermatt for the mountains,” he said.

It comes as no surprise that Neeraj was named as the ‘Friendship Ambassador’ by Switzerland Tourism back in 2022 and was honoured with a plaque at the renowned Ice Palace at Jungfraujoch, also known as the “Top of Europe”. An Indian javelin thrower finding a place alongside Swiss icon Roger Federer and golf ace Rory McIlroy is no mean feat. The mutual respect between Neeraj and Switzerland is one of the main reasons why the Indian athlete always turns to the European country to recuperate.

“…this trip to Zurich and Murren is also a great way to recuperate both mind and body before getting back to training,” he said.

“When you come here in summers, the lush greenery mesmerises you and in winters, the snowfall, the majestic mountains are a sight to behold. I love the mountains here, they are clean, serene, and beautifully managed,” he gushed.

Neeraj also has some fond sporting memories in Switzerland.

“I won the Diamond League Trophy in Zurich (in 2022) which is very special to me. I have trained in Magglingen, where you have the Swiss Olympic Training Centre. I trained there before the World Championship in Budapest (2023) where I won a gold medal. So, a lot of my happy memories have a Swiss connection.

“After I won the Diamond League Trophy, I explored the country with my family and friends and that was something that I can never forget. It’s a place that has given me so much to cherish,” he said.

Neeraj also recalled his time training in Magglingen, a picturesque village that has top-notch sports training facilities that Chopra has benefitted from.

“Sundays used to be my rest days when I was in Magglingen. There were times that the night before, I would sleep late with the plan of lazing around on Sunday.

“But when I would wake up, my mind would drift towards becoming a tourist because public transport is very convenient here and exceptionally punctual. So, you just follow your heart.

“I would ask Switzerland Tourism to help me with the train passes and spend the day exploring on trains. Interlaken and Bern are some of the places that I have been to completely unplanned,” he said.

(With PTI Inputs)

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