Neeraj Chopra led India to its only gold medal at the Tokyo Games 2020.
Neeraj Chopra created history by winning India’s only gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. In several interviews following his historic win, the 23-year-old was faced with a variety of questions – but few crossed the fine line between curious and intrusive. Recently, it was a question by art historian Rajeev Sethi that many on social media branded “unprofessional” and “offensive”. Mr Sethi tried to question the Olympic medalist about his sex life, and his question faced severe backlash on social media.
In the footage that has gone viral on Twitter, Mr Sethi asks Neeraj Chopra how he maintains a balance between his athletic training and sex life. “what a beautiful young man you are (You are a good looking young man),” Mr. Sethi begins in Hindi before asking Neeraj Chopra how he managed to balance training with sex life. He said he knew it was a “inane“(Stupid) question but assured the athlete that there’s a serious question behind that too.
Neeraj Chopra, looking uncomfortable, refused to answer the question. “Sorry sir, I have said sorry,” he replied.
When once again pressured to answer the question, the athlete again refused. This time, the art historian apologized for his question, but was cut off by Neeraj, who said “Please sir, your question fills my mind (Please sir, I have already answered your questions).”
If you thought Malishka was cringe watch Rajeev Sethi go a step further He asked Neeraj Chopra: “How do you balance your sex life with your training??” An angry Neeraj replied “Your question fills my mind” #NeerajChopra#Rajeev Sethipic.twitter.com/qwVd7hAot4
— rosie (@rose_k01) September 3, 2021
The video has garnered over 4 lakh views on Twitter, where it was shared on Friday. Take a look at some of the reactions below:
MP Priyanka Chaturvedi praises athlete for handling all questions gracefully
respect for @neeraj_chopra1 The grace with which he has handled all the questions thrown at him, some really crazy and indecent. A true player.
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) September 4, 2021
Economist Sanjeev Sanyal was among those who termed it as an example of “deep-rooted class bias”.
The media needs to recognize this @neeraj_chopra1 National symbol. They need to be treated with respect regardless of his age or background. The repeated instances of casual disrespect are a reflection of a deeply rooted class prejudice.
— sanjeev sanyal (@sanjeevsanyal) September 4, 2021
Such was the IAS Himanshu Kaushiki
The so-called elite asking national icons irrelevant and uncomfortable questions @neeraj_chopra1 Life really should be found! Don’t abuse humility to your advantage. This is really class discrimination.
— Himanshu Kaushik, IAS (@HimanhuK_IAS) September 4, 2021
IAS Priyanka Shukla remarked that “everyone” seemed more concerned about “everything except the spear”.
Looks like the only person who is determined to cross the 90m mark in his next throw and take his country to greater heights is him #NeerajChopra she herself.
Everyone is worried and curious about everything except the spear!
— Priyanka Shukla (@PriyankaJShukla) September 4, 2021
One listed all the “serious” questions Olympians have to face
In a recent interview, Neeraj Chopra was asked some serious questions.
1. Do you have a girlfriend?
2. Will you give me a virtual hug?
3. How do you maintain a balance between sports and your sex life?
Neeraj Chopra politely refused to answer them all.
Still it continues.— soumyadipta (@soumyadipta) September 4, 2021
Last month, radio jockey Malishka Mendonsa and her team at Red FM faced widespread criticism for a video that showed her dancing in front of Mr Chopra.
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