Neeraj Chopra, father-cum-coach: Behind Yashvir Singh's Asian Games medal

As Yashvir Singh raced down the javelin throw runway at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium on a rainy evening, behind him Rai Singh furiously noted the errors he made.

Yashvir bagged a silver medal at the 2026 Asian Games, recording a personal best 85.72m with his final attempt. He had already done enough to leapfrog compatriot Rohit Yadav for the second spot with his penultimate attempt, yet Rai Singh insisted his technique was far from where he should have been.

That's the relationship Yashvir and his father-turned-coach Rai share.

In fact, it was on the insistence of his father that Yashvir turned to javelin throw in his mid-teens.

"My entire family has a sporting background," said Yashvir in a conversation with The Bridge.

"My grandfather, my uncles and my father are all involved in sports. I started javelin after being motivated by my father," he added.

Neeraj Chopra's support

Yashvir was a last-minute entrant to the Indian contingent for the 2026 Asian Games, making the cut only after two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra withdrew with an injury.

Chopra, who shared a double podium with Yashvir, at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow just a month ago, was the one who pushed for his inclusion in the Asian Games squad behind the scenes.

"When Neeraj bhai had his ankle injury, he sent me a message and told me about it," recalled Yashvir. "He told me to speak to the officials and get my name replaced in his place.

"He said that there were good chances of winning a medal, so I should perform well and bring a medal for the country," he added.

Yashvir’s throw of 85.72m in Nagoya not only secured a silver medal but also took him past the qualifying mark for the World Championships. He did not immediately realise what he had achieved.

"I did not know that I had qualified for the World Championships. Someone told me about it, and I also saw one or two posts saying that I had qualified for the World Championships," he said.

His result also continued India’s tradition of winning multiple javelin medals at the Asian Games.

"Last time, India had two medals. Neeraj bhai was first and Jena bhai was second. This time, I am second and Rohit is third. We missed out a little on the chance for gold, but next time we will do better and try to make sure India is at the top again and finishes on the podium." he added

Why his best throws come on the final attempt

Both of Yashvir’s personal bests this year came with his final throw. He explained how his approach changes when he knows he has only one attempt left.

"At the beginning, my throw was a little bad in Glasgow, while at the Asian Games, I was performing a little better from the start," he said.

"But on the last throw, there is a thought in my mind that there is nothing left now, this is the last throw and I have to give everything in this one. If a good throw comes out and I win a medal, then it happens.

"Things change in life, you get many more opportunities, and your respect also increases. So on the last throw, I give it everything. It becomes a little crazy, like an all-or-nothing situation," he added.

Goals for the future

Having achieved the 85m mark, Yashvir now has his sights set on crossing 90m. He knows that improving his technique, speed and release point will be important as he looks to take his performances further.

"The goal at the World Championships will also be to give my best and win a medal for India. We will make every effort for that. Next year, there are also the World Championships, Asian Championships and the SAF Games, so the full effort will be to win medals for the country in all of them."

From a teenager who followed in his father's footsteps to winning two major medals in a span of two months, Yashvir has established himself as one of Indian sport's biggest stars.

Yet, despite all of it, he continues to stick by his roots, still training in his hometown of Jaipur under the guidance of his father.

"At that time [when I started], javelin was different," he said. "Everything was different, and things have changed over time.

"Keeping in mind the things that my father lacked during his time, we made sure that we did not face the same problems, whether it was diet or equipment. We have all these things available to us now, and because of that, we are able to perform well," he added.