'An absolute honour': Neeraj Chopra meets tennis legend Roger Federer in Zurich

Ace Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra met Swiss tennis maestro Roger Federer. In what can be called a dream-come-true moment for Chopra, the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist got a chance to interact with Federer in Zurich. Federer handed over Neeraj an autographed tennis racquet. The Indian athlete also presented Federer with a signed India jersey from the Asian Games.

While Federer is Switzerland Tourism’s global ambassador, Chopra is the current Friendship Ambassador of the board from India. Chopra even shared a couple of pictures from his meet on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. “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,” Chopra wrote on X.

“It’s a dream come true for me to meet Roger Federer here in Zurich. I have always admired his skill, his spirit of true sportsmanship and his ability to inspire millions around the world. Today, however, what inspired me the most was his humility and his easy-going charm that made me feel so comfortable in his presence. We had a wonderful time exchanging notes about our respective passions and life’s experiences on and off the field,” Chopra said after his meet with the 20-time Grand Slam title winner at Zurich’s La Reserve Eden au Lac.

Federer, on the other hand, praised Chopra for pulling off stupendous performances for India. “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,” Federer said.

Chopra had a fabulous performance on the field in 2023. Chopra clinched gold medal in Hangzhou last year with the season’s best throw of 88.88m. This was also the 26-year-old’s fourth-best-ever performance.

In the last season, Chopra had succeeded in claiming a gold medal at the World Championships in Budapest. Chopra even earned victories at the Doha Diamond League and Lausanne Diamond League. In the final of the Diamond League, he won a silver medal. A spectacular series of performances in the last season helped Chopra secure a nomination for the Men’s World Athlete of the Year award.