'This is for my father': Rohit Yadav dedicates javelin bronze to his dad

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Indian javelin thrower Rohit Yadav was a relieved man after ending years of pressure with an Asian Games bronze in javelin throw, a medal he believes will allow him to compete with a freer mind.

Competing at the rain-soaked Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium on Monday, the 25-year-old registered a best throw of 84.35m to secure third place. Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage claimed the gold with an 88.55m effort, while fellow Indian Yashvir Singh took silver with a throw of 85.72m.

Reflecting on his maiden podium finish at a major multi-sport championship, Rohit admitted that the achievement has lifted a heavy burden off his shoulders, especially in the absence of Neeraj Chopra.

“I have not won any medal in a major championship earlier. This is my first medal in a major international competition. I am very happy; I have opened my account,” Rohit said.

“I come from a family which has no environment for sports. So, they will say ‘You have been working so hard for so many years and you have no medal, what do you have’. The pressure I had from my family and friends, it has now gone after this medal. I have been under a lot of pressure for so many years. I don’t know why I kept on missing big medals. But with this Asian Games medal, I will play without any pressure. I will play freely,” he added.

Rohit discusses his future ambitions

Despite the historic podium finish, Rohit said that slippery conditions due to rain disturbed his run-up and prevented him from giving his best.

“The cross-stepping was getting longer, so I could have strong blocking. That was why I was not getting the best release (of the spear). But the conditions were the same for everybody. So, it is not an excuse,” he said.

Looking ahead, the athlete has set his sights on reaching the 90m mark, while preparing for the Diamond League, the Asian Championships, and the World Championships in China next year. Concluding with a heartfelt tribute, Rohit dedicated his medal to his father.

“I dedicate this medal to my father. My father has seen a lot of struggle. When I came here, I called him. He told me to play the way I like. I said, I will try to give my best. I couldn’t produce a big throw. But I will tell him that I have won a medal. He will be very happy,” he concluded.

(With inputs from PTI)

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