'Wanted to achieve what even Neeraj couldn't do that day': Rohit admits overconfidence led to 7th-place finish in CWG 2026

India's javelin thrower Rohit Yadav has admitted that he committed a mistake trying to chase Sri Lanka's Rumesh Pathirage's gold medal-winning throw and trying to outdo double Olympics medallist Neeraj Chopra at Commonwealth Games (CWG) as the reasons behind not being able to finish on the podium. Rohit revealed that he became overconfident after the 81.56m throw in his second attempt.

"My second throw was around 81m (81.56m) and I felt I would at least make the best eight. After that I decided to go all out," Rohit told PTI.

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"It wasn't that I thought I couldn't match Rumesh after he threw 89.75m. My mindset was that I wanted to achieve what even Neeraj couldn't do that day. That thinking made me a little overconfident," he added.

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While Pathirage won the gold, India's Chopra and Yashvir Singh bagged the silver and bronze medal wit 85.83m and 85.41m throws respectively.

Rohit had a good start but he fouled in third and fifth attempts. His fourth and sixth attempts were 73.70m and 79.55m. He managed to finish seventh at the event.

What Neeraj told his teammates in CWG 2026?

The conditions were not ideal in Glasgow The athletes were forced to adapt quickly and make changes to deal with the runway and strong headwinds.

Rohit also revealed how Neeraj advised them to release the javelin slightly lower to get more distance on their throws. The deteriorating runway made it tough for them to get momentum.

What’s next for Rohit?

Rohit missed out on the medal but he has to shift his focus on Japan Asian Games 2026. He treats the CWG 2026 setback as a lesson for himself. He wants his body to respond quickly irrespective of the challenges posed by the conditions.

What is Rohit’s best in current season?

Earlier, Rohit was India’s medal contender at CWG 2026, owing to his throw of 87.05m at National Inter-State in June 2026. It is also the best distance registered by an Indian athlete in the ongoing season.