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In 2021, when a 23-year-old Neeraj Chopra won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, the world became aware of an athlete who was already an Indian superstar since 2018. Since that year, he has had a podium finish in 26 competitive events.
Chopraj, India's golden boy, has become synonymous with athletic excellence and unwavering determination. His journey from a small village in Haryana to the pinnacle of global sports is a testament to his grit, resilience, and relentless determination.
What drives Chopra to be consistent in his performance? The answer lies in his indomitable spirit, his ZIDD. ZIDD to overcome challenges. ZIDD to be better.
The Zidd behind the glory
Neeraj Chopra's journey is not just about natural talent; it's about his willingness to go the extra mile. The mindset is the cornerstone of his success, and it has inspired many, including the next generation of Indian athletes. Inspired by Neeraj’s determination, the brand Under Armour has launched a campaign called “ZIDD FOR MORE” - it’s a celebration of the mindset that propels athletes like Chopra to bring greater glory to the nation.
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The campaign film begins with a powerful statement: "Har Taiyaari Se Badkar Hai Ziddari," which translates to "Determination is greater than any preparation." The belief is a reflection of Chopra's approach to his discipline and life. It’s a philosophy that he carries with him, one that pushes him to train harder, aim higher, and become better.
Chopra’s story is a powerful narrative of how determination and a never-give-up attitude can lead to extraordinary achievements. From a young age, Chopra displayed a rare combination of talent and an unyielding spirit. His breakthrough came when he won the gold medal at the 2016 World U20 Championships, setting a junior world record in javelin throw. The victory was just the beginning of a remarkable journey that saw him clinch gold at the Asian Games, the Commonwealth Games, and eventually, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Neeraj Chopra’s Olympic triumph was a historic moment for India, as he became the first Indian athlete to win a gold medal in track and field. The achievement not only elevated him to legendary status in India but also placed him among the elite athletes globally. However, his success is not just about the medals; it’s about his ziddi mindset that drives him.
Under Armour’s "ZIDD FOR MORE" campaign captures this essence perfectly. Created by shooting hours and hours of Chopra’s intense training sessions over several days, the film showcases Chopra’s rigorous training regimen, his focus, and his unrelenting pursuit of perfection. It also highlights the broader message that stubbornness, when channelled positively, can be a powerful force for achieving one’s goals. This message resonates with athletes and non-athletes alike, inspiring everyone to adopt a similar approach in their respective fields.
The "ZIDD FOR MORE" campaign is not just a marketing initiative; it’s a movement that encourages people to cultivate a mindset of perseverance and resilience. It emphasizes that success is not a destination but a journey that requires continuous effort and a steadfast attitude. Whether it’s an athlete aiming for a gold medal or an individual pursuing personal or professional goals, the message is clear: stubbornness in the face of adversity can lead to remarkable achievements.
Link to Campaign Film: https://rb.gy/8vuhlu
Speaking of Under Armour’s “ZIDD FOR MORE” campaign, Neeraj Chopra said:
“It's great to have Under Armour supporting me, not just with the high-performance gear that enhances my performance during my training and competition, but also in sharing my journey to inspire the next generation of Indian athletes. This campaign resonates deeply with me because it carries a message I firmly believe in: stay focused, work hard, and pursue your dreams relentlessly."
This year, Neeraj Chopra has stood on the podium at prestigious events like the Paavo Nurmi Games, Diamond League, and the Federation Cup in Bhubaneswar.
Tushar Goculdas, the Managing Director of Underdog Athletics (Exclusive India Distributor and Licensee for Under Armour) said about the campaign in a statement:
“We are proud of our long partnership with Neeraj, one of India’s greatest athletes and an icon of today’s generation, who embodies the brand’s core values: grit, resilience, and determination. Through this campaign we endeavour to inspire all athletes and strengthen Under Armour's position as India’s most loved athletic performance brand.”
At just 26, Neeraj Chopra is an inspiration to many. One of them is from the shooting contingent Arjun Babuta, who recently revealed to Sportskeeda that Chopra’s mindset is something which he follows throughout.
Speaking of this mindset and the way in which Chopra was helped the market in Olympics, Divyanshu Singh, Chief Operating Officer of JSW Sports, said:
“We’re excited to see Under Armour’s ZIDD FOR MORE campaign come to life with Neeraj, our marquee athlete and Under Armour’s first Brand Ambassador in India. Neeraj has significantly inspired the next generation of Indian athletes and contributed to the growth of athletics in India. His success has unlocked the marketing potential of Olympic sports in the country. At JSW Sports, we see our talent roster elevating Indian sports and sponsorships, and campaigns like this from Under Armour play a crucial role in achieving that.”
Neeraj Chopra and his dream of a second gold
Neeraj Chopra will be eyeing his second gold medal, a feat if achieved will place him in the history books of Indian sports. Only the Indian hockey team has this feat of winning consecutive gold medals at the Olympics. No Indian athlete on an individual level has established this.
India, as a developing sporting powerhouse, has garnered only 35 Olympic medals to date. A second and a consecutive gold medal is an aspiration for Neeraj Chopra as is for the entire nation.
