Star Indian athlete Neeraj Chopra took the world by surprise in January after he posted a photo of his wedding with former tennis player Himani Mor. In a recent conversation with India Today, Neeraj opened up on his marriage and why it was kept lowkey.
“I knew her. She also comes from a family with a sports background, and so do we. Her father and mother were kabaddi players. Her brothers were boxers and wrestlers. She herself was a tennis player, but after picking up injuries, she focused more on her studies,” Neeraj said.
Talking about how being athletes helped them form an easy connection, Neeraj said, “Because our families had a sports background, we had the opportunity to meet. Our conversations began like that — just two athletes talking. It was casual at first, but slowly, we fell in love,” he said.
In a short post on his social media pages in January, Neeraj had shared pictures from the ceremony held in Himachal Pradesh on January 16. “Grateful for every blessing that brought us to this moment together. Bound by love, happily ever after,” Neeraj had written.
Neeraj’s paternal uncle Bhim Chopra had told The Indian Express that the marriage was arranged by both families. “The wedding took place on January 16 in Himachal Pradesh. Both the families were present during the wedding, which was arranged by the two families,” Bhim said.
Although only family members were invited for the nuptials, Chopra said most of his close circle of friends was aware that he was tying the knot and he would soon be planning a celebration with those who couldn’t be a part of the function.
“…Families and friends knew. I wanted to return to training because the season was about to start. I thought it would only be possible after the season. Inviting everyone would have taken time,” he explained.
(With agency inputs)