"Don't Take Shortcuts": Neeraj Chopra's Message To Youngsters On Independence Day

India's Tokyo Olympics stars, including gold medal winner Neeraj Chopra, attended the 75th Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort on Sunday. The star javelin thrower, who has become the darling of the nation thanks to his record-breaking feat in Tokyo, had a message for the youngsters, telling them to "believe in yourself, to believe in your coaching and do not take shortcuts". Ahead of the national flag hoisting ceremony, Neeraj Chopra said it's a new experience for him as he used to watch the ceremony on TV and now he is attending it.

Speaking to NDTV, Neeraj Chopra thanked PM Modi for giving all the athletes "a chance to come be part of this August 15 celebrations".

"Frankly speaking not used to waking up this early," Neeraj joked.

The 23-year-old confirmed what many reports had claimed on Saturday. The Tokyo gold medallist said that he had fever but was "feeling fine now but rest is needed".

Neeraj Chopra made history at the Tokyo Games, becoming the first Indian to win an Olympic gold in athletics.

On Sunday, PM Modi in his Independence Day speech on Sunday, hailed the Olympians for bringing glory to the nation. The PM said that the athletes had "not only won our hearts but also inspired our young generation".

India recorded its best-ever medal haul at the Olympics, winning a total of seven medals, bettering the previous best of six at the 2012 London Games.

"There was a time when sports wasn't considered a part of the mainstream. Parents used to tell children that they would spoil their life if they kept playing. Now, awareness regarding sports and fitness has come within the country. We have experienced this in Olympics this time," said PM Modi

"It's a major turning point for our country. In this decade we've to further speed up drive to bring in talent, technology, and professionalism in sports in the country."