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Just days after securing a monumental gold medal at the men’s javelin World Championships in Budapest, India’s golden boy Neeraj Chopra is gearing up for another dazzling performance. On the agenda is the much-anticipated Zurich Diamond League event, scheduled for Thursday, August 31. Chopra's goals are twofold: to earn a third consecutive win in the Diamond League series and to qualify for the prestigious Diamond League final happening in Eugene, Oregon, on September 16 and 17.
Neeraj Chopra's journey has been nothing short of awe-inspiring, with a host of remarkable milestones for Indian athletics. He has not only bagged victories at the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games but has also achieved the unparalleled feat of holding both Olympic and World Championship titles in javelin. In accomplishing this, he joins an exclusive list featuring just two other athletes—Jan Zelezny, the three-time Olympic champion, and Andreas Thorkildsen—both of whom have held Olympic and World titles in the javelin event.
Ambitious Quest for the 90m Mark
The buzz around the Zurich Diamond League event is amplified by Neeraj Chopra’s aspiration to cross the much-coveted 90m barrier. "It (World Championship) was the only gold medal I didn't have, I won the Olympics (gold) in Tokyo. I just have the 90m mark now, hopefully, I will throw far in the next competitions," said Chopra. He remains cautious this season due to an ongoing groin injury but is optimistic about achieving his target.
Facing Stellar Opponents
The Zurich showdown promises to be a cutthroat competition. Neeraj Chopra currently ranks 3rd in the 2023 Diamond League men's javelin standings with 16 points. He’s already punched his ticket to the 6-man Diamond League final by clinching wins in Doha and Lausanne legs. But a tough adversary awaits: Czech athlete Jakub Vadlejch, who presently leads the Diamond League leaderboard with 21 points. Germany's Julian Weber will also be vying for the top spot, making the event more competitive.
Murali Sreeshankar’s Journey to Redemption
In another compelling storyline, India’s Murali Sreeshankar is on a quest for redemption in the men’s long jump. After failing to advance past the qualifications in the World Championships, Sreeshankar is resolute about making a strong comeback. Currently holding the 3rd position in the Diamond League standings, he will be up against world champion Tentaglou Miltiadis and Jamaican athletes Carey McLeod and Tajay Gayle.
Murali Sreeshankar has already etched his name in history by becoming the second Indian to achieve a Diamond League podium finish, having secured third place in Paris earlier this season.
The men's javelin event in the Zurich Diamond League is set to kick off at 12:12 am IST on September 1, while the men's long jump will commence at 11:54 pm IST on August 31.
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