Navdeep Singh, a remarkable athlete from Haryana, has made headlines recently by achieving gold in the F41 category of javelin throw at the Paris Paralympics. His impressive throw of 47.32 meters not only secured him victory but also showcased his exuberance and competitive spirit reminiscent of legendary cricketer Virat Kohli. Following his success, many fans began to draw comparisons between the two, dubbing him ‘Virat 2.0’. Despite the comparisons, Navdeep has revealed that his true idol in the cricketing world is none other than Rohit Sharma.
Navdeep’s Admiration for Rohit Sharma
Since his golden triumph, Navdeep has been in the limelight, participating in numerous interviews and discussions. In a recent podcast appearance, he was asked to choose between his cricketing heroes: Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. To everyone’s surprise, he expressed his admiration for Rohit Sharma, the current captain of the Indian cricket team. The inspiration behind his choice is Rohit’s phenomenal achievement of scoring a double century in One Day Internationals (ODIs). According to Navdeep, witnessing Rohit’s extraordinary performance left a lasting impression on him, which solidified his fondness for the cricketer.
Light-hearted Takes and Personal Triumphs
During the podcast, Navdeep also playfully poked fun at the ongoing ‘Thala for a Reason’ trend associated with Mahendra Singh Dhoni, adding a touch of humor to the conversation. Since winning the gold medal on September 7—the seventh medal of his career—Navdeep jokingly remarked about how people will find ways to connect themselves with his accomplishments.
Overcoming Challenges: Navdeep’s Inspiring Journey
Born in 2000 and standing at just 4 feet 4 inches tall, Navdeep faced significant challenges growing up, including relentless teasing from his peers regarding his height. His brother shared in an interview that these taunts affected him profoundly, often isolating himself in his room for days. However, everything began to change in 2012 when he was awarded the National Child Award, marking the start of a new chapter in his life. Encouraged by his father to engage in sports, Navdeep initially took up wrestling, a sport that his father had practiced. It was later, inspired by javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra’s success, that he found his true calling in javelin throw.
A Journey of Perseverance
Despite the challenges posed by his dwarfism, Navdeep’s story is one of perseverance and determination. His parents dedicated themselves to seeking treatment when he was diagnosed at the age of two, but unfortunately, they were unable to change his condition. Navdeep’s father, however, did not let this deter him; instead, he encouraged his son to pursue sports, believing it would help build his confidence. Today, Navdeep’s journey serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with hard work and dedication, one can rise above adversity and achieve greatness.
