EXCLUSIVE | “Navdeep Singh Ki technique Neeraj Chopra se bhi behtar hai” | News from the Paralympics in Paris
After finishing fourth at the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago and winning the bronze medal at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships, Navdeep was determined to change his fortunes this time around.
He stood proudly on the podium with tears in his eyes as the Indian national anthem rang out and the tricolour was raised in the roaring Stade de France.
Navdeep’s medal was initially awarded silver, but was then given gold after Iran Sadegh Beit Sayah was disqualified for repeatedly displaying an offensive flag, violating International Paralympic Committee rules prohibiting political gestures.
Sayah’s unsportsmanlike conduct led to his disqualification, allowing Navdeep to take his place as champion.
“I was so surprised when the Iranian javelin thrower was shown the red card. He started crying. He cried and cried. I too was so moved that I went to him and hugged him. I consoled him. Till then I did not know what exactly had happened and what was the reason for this big decision,” Navdeep said in an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com from Paris.
For Navdeep, the gold medal is atonement for the heartbreaking fourth place at the Paralympics in Tokyo.
“When I got the gold medal, I was so happy. Tokyo is past, Paris is present. I am really happy that I could make my country proud. I am really happy that I could add another gold medal to India’s tally. People always remember gold,” said an elated Navdeep.
“My first throw was a foul. I looked at my coach and he asked me to stay calm. On my second attempt, I threw over 46. I turned to my coach and asked him how much I threw on my second attempt. He said over 46. I was amazed because I hadn’t tried very hard. It gave me so much momentum and motivation to do even better. And the rest is history,” he said.
“Honestly, I never thought I would throw 47 or more. I have no idea how I managed to do that. Because during my training just before I left for Paris, I used to throw 41 or 42. But I don’t know how I managed to throw 47 or more,” Navdeep added.
“TRAPS – LAST SOLUTION”
Following in the footsteps of two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra, Navdeep believes that the technique of falling immediately before releasing the javelin provides a powerful boost, similar to what Neeraj does with his throws.
Navdeep attributes this technique to his coach Naval Singh, who was instrumental in shaping his career.
“My coach, Naval Singh, has worked with me a lot. He trained me for almost seven years. He has played a big role in my career. Whatever I am today is because of him. He made me an international-level javelin thrower. All the credit for my technique and fundamentals goes to him,” said Navdeep.
Navdeep and coach Naval Singh
“Mera girna mera akhiri upay hota hai. Jab gir jata hun, wo throw acha jata hai (Falling is my last resort. If I fall, this throw will go well),” (laughs) said Navdeep.
Coach Naval had just returned from Paris and watched Navdeep’s final with confidence, knowing that his student would take home a Paralympic medal.
“I knew Navdeep would make me and India proud. He has worked hard for this. Navdeep’s technique is even better than Neeraj Chopra’s. If he was in the disabled sport, he would have done wonders. But we are all proud of Navdeep. This is just the beginning for him – he will break several records,” said a confident coach.
