The recent comments from the Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra sparked a light but nostalgic response from the former fast Australian launcher Brett Lee – after the star of the Indian javelin suggested that Lee could have had the skills to excel in the javelin during his first cycle of cricket. In a fun prelude to the NC classic, Chopra shared some offbeat information during a conversation with Jiostar. When asked which cricket player could have done it as a javelin launcher, Chopra pointed out directly on Lee. “I heard that Brett Lee was a javelin launcher. I think he could well throw the javelin, especially when he was in his peak years,” said Neeraj, quoting the legendary athletics of the old stimulator and explosive action. Lee, which was quick to take the wind of the commentary, replied with humility and humor on X. “I returned the javelin to my schooling days, but far from what Neeraj does and continues to do. Very hard on the elbow. I admired what this beautiful athlete can do and wish him good luck,” wrote Lee in response to a tweet citing Olympian, anchor applause of fans of the two sports.
Response from Brett Lee to Neeraj Chopra on X (Image via X / @ Brettlee_58)
Chopra also mentioned Jasprit Bumrah like another athlete whom he would like to see the javelin try, noting the unique synergy between the two sports. “While the bowling alley and the javelin are both throws, they are very different. I would like to learn from Bumrah,” he said.
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In a twist, Neeraj added that if he could borrow a superpower, it would be the mental courage of Sachin Tendulkar – facing the pressure with composure and consistency.
Neeraj Chopra Classic (NC Classic) should be held on July 5 at the Sree Kanterava stadium in Bengaluru.