Olympic Champion Neeraj Chopra Touts Cricketer Jasprit Bumrah's Javelin Potential

Javelin Ace? Neeraj Chopra Picks This Cricketer as Potential Throwing Star

Neeraj Chopra, India's Olympic champion, has identified a surprising candidate who he believes could dominate the javelin throw: none other than Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian cricket team's formidable fast bowler. Chopra shared his insights during a special segment on Star Sports, hosted by Navjot Singh Sidhu.

Chopra's assessment stems from the inherent physical attributes and techniques shared by fast bowlers and javelin throwers. He emphasized Bumrah's exceptional fitness and strength as pivotal qualities that would translate well to the javelin event, had he not already achieved stardom in cricket.

"I think it would be a fast bowler for sure. So, I think a fully fit Jasprit Bumrah will be good at it," Chopra stated.

Bumrah's recent cricketing performances underscore his remarkable physical capabilities. In the first Test match against England at Headingley, he showcased his prowess by claiming his 14th five-wicket haul in the first innings.

While England ultimately secured victory by successfully chasing a target of 371 runs, with Ben Duckett's impressive 149, Bumrah's individual performance highlighted his athletic form. This win granted England a 1-0 advantage in the ongoing five-match Test series.

Bumrah's statistics in 2024 speak volumes about his exceptional talent. He has secured an impressive 78 wickets in just 15 Test matches, positioning him as the leading fast bowler globally during this period.

His workload has also been considerable, with a remarkable 410.4 overs bowled, surpassing all other pace bowlers worldwide.

This discussion regarding Bumrah's potential in javelin throw underscores the intersection of athletic prowess between cricket and track and field events, particularly the shared physical demands of fast bowling and javelin throwing.

The announcement was strategically timed to promote the upcoming Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw event, scheduled for July 5, and to be broadcast on Star Sports.