Neeraj Chopra says Europeans ask him if Indians refund their parents

In an interview with the Indian Express, the 24-year-old javelin thrower said people in Europe have asked him if Indians are expected to pay their parents back for raising them after they start earning.

“I tell them it’s different here,” Chopra was quoted as saying. “I think it’s only in our culture that even after growing up we live with our parents as kids.”

The athlete pointed out the difference in households in Europe and in India.

“Their perspective on family is very different,” he explained. “Children move out when they are 17 or 18 and work but here they stay home even after they’re 35-40.”

As the reigning Olympic javelin champion, Chopra understands that becoming popular outside of India entails a responsibility to represent his country when speaking internationally.

“I know I am representing my country so I try to put forward my thoughts and tell others about my culture,” he added. “I try to interact well. The interviews in Europe are different.”

According to Chopra, he was also asked about his acting in advertisements.

“I tell them I didn’t know anything about acting and all when I started,” he told the Indian Express. “If you’re acting, then might as well put in the effort and that’s what I tell them. Acting is challenging but I try.”

Chopra is currently India’s most decorated athlete, having also won a gold medal in the Diamond League as well as medals in the 2018 Asian and Commonwealth Games.

Featured Image via Olympics