Neeraj Chopra Diary: 'Maje Karo,' My German Trainer Would Tell Me

Mental fitness is as important as pitch-perfect physical form. I managed the second—despite jet lag—only because of the year’s delay in the Olympics. And the former? Thank Klaus!

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Kochi-Muziris Biennale
Giving Scrap A Second Life

Archana Hande’s installation ‘My Kottige’ is her innovative take on urbanisation and changing times. In her artwork, she has arranged discarded things as a witness of their time and space

Omar Rashid
Kochi-Muziris Biennale
A Feminist Memory Project

The Nepal Picture Library showcases photos of women from that country, both ordinary and celebrated, so that history doesn’t forget them

Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
Kochi-Muziris Biennale
Capturing Conflict In Chhattisgarh

In his project ‘A Peal of Spring Thunder’, photojournalist Ishan Tankha has captured the conflict in Chhattisgarh in captivating and compelling images

Omar Rashid
Kochi-Muziris Biennale
Australia's Tent Of Resistance In India

Australian artist Richard Bell maps the spirit of the aboriginal resistance by setting up a tent at Aspinwall House in Kochi. Named the ‘Aboriginal Embassy’, the tent is a symbol of neglect, dispossession and resistance

Abhik Bhattacharya
Kochi-Muziris Biennale
Painting Dream Sequences For Collective Healing

Nepal-based artist Mekh Limbu feels that while it is important to talk about suffering and suppression, conversations around the process of healing are equally important. Through his paintings, which depict dream sequences, he is striving to preserve Adivasi tradition and languages

Abhik Bhattacharya

Neeraj Chopra

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Updated: 20 Aug 2021 5:09 pm

Timely Intervention

It has been a surreal week for me and the Indian Olympic contingent. I am slowly coming to terms with the fact that I have won the first athletics gold for India at an Olympics. When I look back, several thoughts cross my mind. While dedication, preparation, mental fortitude and execution are non-negotiable for a sportsperson, I have come to realise that time is the most potent guiding force in our lives. What if the Tokyo Olympics happened in 2020? What if there was no pandemic? Time has been my biggest ally. The whole of 2019 I was injured and had a surgery. I did not train, nor did I take part in the world championship and missed the all-important Diamond League. I was completely out of touch. It took the whole of 2020 to get back on track and prepare for the Tokyo Olympics. I know Covid has played havoc with people’s lives and ruined sporting calendars, but the pandemic was a blessing for me.

In Compos Mentis