Olympic Gold Medalist Neeraj Chopra Wants Mondotrack At NIS Patiala

In a meeting to discuss draft National Sports Governance Bill on Wednesday, ace Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra h an ditional plea for government -- to fast-track process of laying down currently in-vogue 'Mondotrack' at National Institute of Sports in Patiala.

Mondotrack is a new surface being used for track events and it is believed to enhance performance and reduce chance of injury. track events at Paris Olympics and Diamond League finale in Brussels were held on this track, which has been hailed several top international stars.

track, which is me of vulcanized rubber, absorbs shock and reduces fatigue with its elasticity and uniform dynamic response, helping athletes maintain ir posture, stride-length and rhythm.

material used also helps athletes springboard off track. NIS Patiala, which is a National Centre of Excellence, currently has a tritional syntic track, which is me of sand, fiber, wax, and rubber.

A source, who was in meeting between sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya and elite athletes and coaches, said that two-time Olympic-medallist was vocal about need for more stiums at grassroots level and a Mondo track in Patiala.

"Neeraj attended discussion virtually and said that he h been speaking about a Mondo track at Patiala since 2018-19...facilities at grassroots was anor thing," he said.

"He said that when Indian athletes compete abro, most of competitions se days are held on Mondo track, which becomes a big disvantage for m," source ded.

Neeraj also pointed out that stiums should not just be used for national camps and major competitions like world cups.

"He said that when India was aiming to bring Olympics in 2036, stiums cannot just be utilised for camps and world cups. He said that if country wants fresh talent, se stiums should be utllised more along with creation of more facilities at grassroots, not to forget coaches.

"Neeraj also demanded that Indian coaches should be me more aware and in sync with what's happening around world," said source.