MARGAO
Javelin star Neeraj Chopra created history to become only India's second individual gold medallist after Abhinav Bindra (Beijing 2008).
Speaking to 'The Goan', former middle-distance runner Edward Sequeira heaped praises on the athlete for his magnificent showing. “Neeraj will now become a role model for javelin throw in India and this gold will give it a new impetus. I had believed he was a bright medal prospect for India and would not let down millions of Indians,” the former Olympian (Munich 1972) said.
Sequeira was the captain of the Indian team in Malaysia and Singapore and also a member of the Asian national team to Germany. Coached by the German coach Otto Peitzer, himself a world record holder, Sequeira went to Munich Olympics, where he finished 11th in the 3rd heat of the 5.000 meters clocking 14:01.4s.
An outstanding sportsman, Sequeira has done a lot for Indian athletics as a coach. He took part in a coaching conference in Tokyo in 1979. He was also on the Committee of the Amateur Federation of India, and an officer with Tata Iron and Steel Co, Mumbai.
Sequeira said Neeraj is an inspiration for the younger generation. “He is an example that shows that the country has a lot of talent. I hope Neeraj brings more gold medals for India,” Sequeira said.
