"Can Join Cricket...": Neeraj Chopra's Witty Reply On IPL Query On The Sidelines Of Diamond League

Neeraj Chopra is a trailblazer in Indian sport. After first making a name by winning a gold at the 2016 U20 World Championships, the ace javelin thrower left an indelible mark in Indian sport by winning the country's first Oympic gold medal in athletics at the Tokyo Games. Last year, Chopra threw 89.94m at the Stockholm Diamond League to better his own national record. Neeraj Chopra began his Diamond League title defence with a comfortable win in the season-opening leg In Doha on Friday, with a world leading and fourth career-best effort. The 25-year-old Chopra, who had pocketed the 2022 Diamond League Final trophy in Switzerland last September, beat a star-studded field with a best throw of 88.67m to begin his season in style.

Ahead of the competition, Neeraj was asked about why Indians can be good javelin throwers. "Cricket is very popular in India. And the Indian bowlers are also very good. They have very fast arm. In Javelin also you need very fast arm. So, it's a natural talent in India. So, it's a plus point for us. So, in future you will see more javelin throwers. Not only javelin, in athletics we have good jumpers now. I feel good. Our country is growing in athletics," Neeraj said while replying on a question on Indian sportspersons.

"So, when you are finished with javelin, you will go to the IPL?" the anchor asked the champion javelin thrower.

To which, Neeraj replied: "No, it's tough because cricket is a physical sport. But we will see. There is a rule...you can throw from the shoulder. If they say, you can throw like a javelin, I can join cricket."

"If you could bowl like we throw the javelin, I'd be playing in the @IPL"Who wants to see @neeraj_chopra1 firing yorkers at @fafduplessis, @davidwarner31 and