NEW DELHI: Yashvir Singh was lying on his bed at his home in Jaipur after a rigorous training session with his father, Rai Singh, when his phone rang.It was Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra.Yashvir had no idea why Chopra was calling. He picked up the phone, unaware that the conversation would bring him an opportunity he had not expected – a place in India’s Asian Games squad.Chopra had been ruled out of the Asian Games after suffering an ankle ligament injury. During the call, he asked Yashvir to speak to the federation and be ready to take his place in India’s javelin squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.“At that time, I was training and was at home. I was resting when I got a call from Neeraj bhai. He told me, ‘Brother, I’ve suffered an injury. Talk to them further so that your name can be considered in my place.” Yashvir told TimesofIndia.com.“After that, my name was included,” he added.
From surprise call to Asian Games debut
The Asian Games call-up came as a surprise to Yashvir, but his recent performances had put him in contention for a place in the squad. Yashvir had won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with a personal best of 85.41m. Chopra finished second in the same event.Yashvir’s bronze came after a dramatic final throw. Before his last attempt, he spoke to Chopra and then told himself, “aaj to aar ya paar”.“Before the competition, he motivated me a lot. We also spoke before my last throw,” Yashvir said.He then produced his personal best of 85.41m to finish on the podium.
‘Asian Games mein bhi ayega’
With Chopra out of the Asian Games, Yashvir will join Rohit Yadav in India’s men’s javelin team. His 85.41m throw in Glasgow has given him confidence, but Yashvir knows he will face another big challenge in Aichi-Nagoya.After seeing his name in the Asian Games squad, Yashvir spoke to Chopra again. The Olympic medallist encouraged him to make the opportunity count.“He told me, ‘You did well at the Commonwealth Games. Now try to do well at the Asian Games too. Try to win a medal and give it your hundred percent”. Yashvir said.Yashvir believes his preparation is on the right track and is hoping to add another medal to his cabinet.“I’ve focused a lot on my technique. I’m physically fit as well. Now I just have to go there and perform. I dream of doing well,” he said.For Yashvir, the opportunity may have come unexpectedly, but he knows what he has to do when he takes the javelin in his hand again – give his best and fight for another medal in Aichi-Nagoya.
