A nudge from Neeraj: How the missing javelin star inspired Yashvir's silver

Yashvir Singh was not even supposed to be here. The 24-year-old from Jaipur was not part of India’s original Asian Games javelin squad. Then Neeraj Chopra withdrew because of injury, a door opened and Yashvir was brought into the team.On Monday, he made sure he was ready when the opportunity arrived.Yashvir won silver in the men’s javelin throw in Aichi-Nagoya, setting a new personal best of 85.72m, while compatriot Rohit Yadav won bronze with 84.35m. It was another step in the rapid rise of a thrower who is beginning to make himself impossible to overlook.Yashvir had started brilliantly, taking the lead with his first throw of 83.56m. Reigning world champion Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage eventually moved ahead with 88.55m, while Rohit briefly pushed Yashvir down to bronze with his fourth-round effort of 84.35m. Yashvir's response was immediate. He sent the javelin out to 85.72m, a new personal best, to reclaim silver.The conditions made the performance even more impressive. Rain had made the runway slippery and grip was an issue, but Yashvir produced six valid throws, all around the 82m mark or better. “I am feeling very good. This is my second international tournament. The first was the Commonwealth Games, I won a bronze there. I registered a PB there. Now, in the Asian Games, it's a silver. I have registered another PB here,” he told SonyLIV.“I am very happy. I am grateful to the people of the country and the AFI.” Yashvir and Rohit Yadav with Asian Games silver and bronsze medals in Aichi-Nagoya (PTI Photo) NEERAJ CHOPRA’S NUDGEThere was a familiar voice in his corner, even if Neeraj Chopra was not on the runway.Yashvir is close to Chopra and had already experienced his influence during the Commonwealth Games, where he won bronze behind Chopra and Rumesh. Chopra had pushed him to go for a big throw there, and Yashvir responded with a personal best of 85.41m.This time, Chopra's words came before the Asian Games.“After Glasgow, I played in the Continental Tour. He messaged me after that saying he had to withdraw because of an injury, but he told me I might be included in the squad and wished me luck. He motivated me to do well. He told me to go for the medal,” Yashvir said.He did.“There was a bit of trouble because of the rain. The grip was an issue. But, I was able to get my PB.”For someone whose rise began with a bamboo javelin, the progression has been swift. Yashvir initially took up basketball to get fit before switching to javelin during his school days. His father, Rai Singh, a former national-level javelin thrower, guided him through the early years and kept the focus on hard work and avoiding the mistakes he had made himself as an athlete.Yashvir first made headlines by breaking Chopra's meet record at the Indian U20 Federation Cup. In 2022, he became one of the select Indian throwers to cross 80m.He qualified for last year's World Championships but could not make the final. Then came his breakthrough bronze at the Commonwealth Games. Now there is an Asian Games silver and another personal best.“This is the biggest achievement of my life,” Yashvir said.He may have entered the Asian Games squad because Chopra had to pull out. He leaves Nagoya with a medal that belongs entirely to him.- Ends