In self-isolation, Neeraj Chopra urges India to act responsibly for sake of its poor

Star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra says he is keeping himself busy with workouts at gym and some movie-watching during self-isolation at NIS Patiala, urging the country to behave responsibly in its fight to contain the COVID-19 pandemic for the sake of its poor.

Chopra, who has qualified for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, has been ordered by Sports Authority of India (SAI) to remain self-isolated for 14 days after returning from a training stint in Turkey.

"I am not training at all. The gates of this hostel meant for those who have come back from foreign training have been locked. Not allowed to go anywhere but we are given an old gym to do some workout to keep ourselves fit," Chopra told PTI on phone from Patiala.

"I am enjoying my spare time listening to music, speaking on phone with family and friends, and reading a bit also. Sometimes, I watch movies on my laptop."
"Our country is much bigger with a lot of poor people. If our country reaches the stage 3 (of the spread of pandemic) it may really have a devastating effect. We should try and contain the disease before that happens. So, each one of us should be a responsible citizen and try to maintain social distancing."
Asked what precautions he has been taking in the last few days, he said, "I am washing hands frequently, using sanitizers after touching any object and keeping myself clean. If somebody wants to speak to me, he has to first use the sanitiser and speak to me from at least 5m away. It is something new which I have not done. But these are extraordinary times."