Zurich (Switzerland), Jan 25 (IANS) Indian Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra found himself in the company of tennis legend Roger Federer in Zurich, a moment he aptly described as a “dream come true”.

The two stars, both ambassadors of Switzerland Tourism, met in the picturesque backdrop of Zurich’s La Reserve Eden au Lac.

Neeraj, who clinched India’s second individual Olympic gold in the Tokyo Olympics, expressed his awe for Federer’s skill, sportsmanship, and ability to inspire millions worldwide.

“An absolute honour to meet a sporting icon, whose career has been and continues to be an inspiration to people. I had a great time talking to you, and hopefully we’ll meet again.@rogerfederer,” said Neeraj after the meeting.

The two sports icons exchanged notes about their passions, life experiences, and the shared responsibility of being Switzerland Tourism ambassadors.

For Federer, the admiration was reciprocal. The 20-time Grand Slam winner lauded Neeraj’s remarkable achievements, citing his grit and determination as catalysts for personal and national success.

“I am amazed by how much Neeraj has achieved personally and for his country through his grit and determination. It’s been great to meet him here in Zurich,” the 20-time Grand Slam winner was quoted as saying in a report.

In a gesture of sportsmanship, Federer presented Neeraj with an autographed tennis racquet, while Neeraj reciprocated with a signed India jersey from the Asian Games.

Reflecting on the encounter, Neeraj expressed gratitude for the valuable advice received from the Swiss legend, inscribing a message on the jersey, “It was very nice meeting you. Thank you for the advice; I will follow.”

Neeraj, eyeing a repeat of his Olympics success in the upcoming Paris 2024 Games, has continued to make history post-Tokyo. Clinching a silver and an unprecedented gold at the World Athletics Championships, and retaining his Asian Games gold at Hangzhou, he stands as a beacon of India’s sporting prowess.

Superstar Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has withdrawn from the famous Paavo Nurmi Games, which will take place on June 13 in Turku, Finland, due to a muscle problem he suffered last month.

The World Athletics Continental Tour gold level event has been “cancelled” by the Olympic champion Indian, according to the event’s promoters, because to “health” concerns.

Neeraj Chopra, an Olympic winner in the javelin, cancelled his attendance at the Paavo Nurmi Games.

The athlete’s manager informed the tournament organisers that Chopra had health issues, necessitating the cancellation of the competition, according to a statement on the Finnish Athletics Federation website.

Naturally, peak cancellations are never pleasant. Many 90-meter javelin throwers from recent years appear to be injured right now.

Chopra’s second-best performance overall came from Turku last summer, and he was undoubtedly anticipating the event at least as much as we were, according to Jari Salonen, CEO of PN Turku Oy, the organisation that puts on the Paavo Nurmi Games.

Chopra said on May 29 that he had pulled out of the FBK Games (June 4) in Hengelo, Netherlands, due to a muscle strain he had experienced during training.

“Recently, I strained a muscle while working out. After consulting with a doctor, my team and I have chosen to forgo any risks that can worsen the injury,” the No. 1 player in the world had tweeted.

Sadly, this necessitates my withdrawal from the FBK Games. Although injuries are inevitable on the path, it’s never simple. I plan to return to the track in June as I am recovering well.

With a throw of 88.67 metres, the 25-year-old won the Doha Diamond League on May 5. This gave him a perfect start to the season.

Although the World Championships, the main event this year, along with the Diamond League Finals and the Asian Game, are scheduled to take place in Budapest, Hungary, from August 19–27, it is not yet known when Chopra will return to competition.

Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, the current Olympic champion, said on Monday that he would skip the FBK Games next month out of caution due to a muscle problem.

“Recently, I strained a muscle while working out. The world No. 1 posted on Twitter, “Me and my team have chosen to avoid any risks which can aggravate the injury after a medical review.

“Unfortunately, that means I will have to cancel my participation in the Hengelo FBK Games. I’d want to wish the tournament’s organisers success.

The Fanny Blankers-Koen Games, a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold level competition, will take place on June 4 in Hengelo, Netherlands.

The 25-year-old, who started the season off perfectly by winning the Doha Diamond League on May 5 with a throw of 88.67 metres, will probably return to competition on June 13 at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland.

“While injuries are inevitable on the road, they are never pleasant. I’m recovering, and by June, I hope to be back on the track,” Neeraj continued.

In the most recent men’s javelin throw rankings released by the World Athletics, Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra rose to the top of the standings for the first time in his career.

Anderson Peters of Grenada, the current world champion, finished 22 points behind Chopra at 1433.

Czech Republic’s Jakub Vadlejch, who won silver at the Tokyo Olympics, finished third with 1416 points.

Chopra, 25, moved up to world number two on August 30 of last year but has remained behind Peters ever since.

Neeraj Chopra, the first Indian to win the renowned trophy, won the Diamond League 2022 finals in September of last year in Zurich.

With a throw of 88.67 metres, he took first place in the season-opening Doha Diamond League on May 5.

He will then compete on June 4 in the Netherlands in the FBK Games, and on June 13 in Turku, Finland, at the Paavo Nurmi Games.

See Neeraj Chopra making a winning Javelin throw in his first attempt as he wins gold medal for his country India. Neeraj clocked 88.67 metres in the championship league.