Javelin Star, Neeraj Chopra Reveals He Was Once Gifted Desi Ghee

Ghee is referred to as "liquid gold" in Indian culture. It forms an integral part of their cuisine and has been consumed for generations because of its rich flavour and very impressive health benefits. There are parts of India where ghee represents even more: strength and prosperity. The 26-year-old javelin sensation of India, Neeraj Chopra, shared a funny yet touching story that underlines this tradition. After winning the silver medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, Chopra revealed that he was once gifted desi ghee - a gesture enrooted in the customs of his home state, Haryana. On the day when social media was sensational about the congratulatory note to Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan, who received a buffalo for his historic gold medal win, Chopra's anecdote added a cultural flavour to the conversation. From this story, one is made to understand how common in India it is to reward athletes with traditional gifts that epitomize the values and beliefs of the community to which they belong.

Neeraj Chopra's Ghee Gift

Neeraj Chopra, who has become a household name across India after his blistering shows in the international arena, revealed a rather interesting tradition that exists in his home state. In an interaction with Sports Daily, Chopra said, "I was gifted desi ghee once. Back home in Haryana also we get things like these as gifts: 10 kilos of desi ghee or 50 kilos of desi ghee. Or ladoos.". There are promises made: 'If Neeraj wins this competition, I'll give him 50 kgs of ghee.' I would hear these things being said since I was a kid. This was the time when circle kabaddi and wrestling were much in rage. Ghee  is given as a gift because we believe that it enhances strength, which we need in our sport. Buffalos are also given as gifts in my area. Even wrestlers and kabaddi players are given gifts like Bullet motorbikes or tractors." 

The comments by Chopra, therefore, not only resonate with the embedded cultural traditions of Haryana but also bring out the role of ghee in the lives of these athletes. Ghee has been, for generations together, a food staple in the diet of sportspersons, particularly in rural India, where it is believed to increase physical strength and endurance.

The Health Benefits of Ghee

Whilst Neeraj Chopra emphasized on the strength-enhancing properties of ghee, it's worth exploring the myriad health benefits that this traditional Indian fat offers:

Rich in Essential Nutrients

Ghee is rich in essential fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are important for healthy skin, vision, and immune function. These nutrients help with bone health, hence ghee becomes equally valuable for an athlete.

Improves Digestion

Ghee helps raise the secretion of digestive enzymes and helps in the smooth digestion of the food taken in. It also aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and minerals from the food ingested, which is very essential for overall health and well-being.

Improves Bone Strength

The vitamin K2 in ghee aids in calcium metabolism and promotes strong bones. The intake of ghee, therefore, may be advised for the prevention of bone diseases or disorders and can be regarded as an integral part of the diet for those people who are involved in strenuous sports.

Improves Immunity

Ghee is rich in antioxidants that help neutralise free radicals in the body, which enhances immunity. It, therefore, benefits an athlete who usually faces physical stress and requires a strong immune system to be healthy.

Promotes Healthy Weight Gain

Thus, ghee  becomes an excellent source of healthy fats for athletes looking to bulk up, be it a javelin thrower or a wrestler. It provides the required calories and aids in healthy weight gain sans the harmful effects of processed fats.