Neeraj Chopra: Doping is a Major Issue in India

Two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra has acknowledged that doping is a serious issue among Indian athletes and urged them to stay away from it. Speaking in an interview with Lallantop, he said, “Doping has become a big problem in India nowadays.”

Neeraj emphasized the long-term negative impact of doping, stating, “Once doping enters the mindset, it becomes difficult to move forward. Athletes start believing that performance is only possible through doping, but that’s not true. Hard work, self-belief, and proper guidance from a coach are what truly matter.”

He encouraged athletes to prioritize a healthy lifestyle: “Eat well, rest well, and work hard. Follow the right process.” He also highlighted the consequences of doping, adding, “Once caught, athletes face bans of 2-4 years, which can ruin their careers. If you want to perform at a high level, this mindset needs to change.”

Neeraj also made an appeal to coaches, urging them to discourage doping: “I request coaches to keep their athletes away from doping and not suggest it as a solution. If this improves, our sports will reach a better level.”

He further advised young athletes to be cautious about their diet and habits, saying, “Often, talented kids achieve a good level in sports but then fall into doping. That is a serious issue, and they need to be careful about what they consume.”