India's Olympic gold-medal-winning Javelin Thrower Neeraj Chopra began his 2023 season with the first position in the 10-man men's javelin field at the Doha Diamond League on Friday (May 5) night.
Neeraj's 88.67m first throw topped the list as the Olympian from India marched to victory in what turned out to be tricky conditions.
He bagged the top spot with his first throw itself, although he did not look satisfied with his attempt at the time. Chopra was looking to finally break the 90m barrier, but the star was clear in the fact that this is not his only goal for the upcoming season as he is not looking to rush things.
Speaking to the media after the event, Chopra said that he was happy with his performance, and is looking to be consistent this season.
"It was a very hard win, but I'm happy, It's a really good start for me. I hope to come in the first place in the next competitions and to keep consistent during this season," Chopra told the media after his win at Doha.
The athlete faced tough competition from Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Jakub Vadlejch who came close to Chopra's mark with his 88.63m throw.
"I feel really good, today was challenging for all athletes, but I'm still satisfied with my result. It was a good start and it's a great atmosphere. A lot of people came to support me and they are really happy," Chopra spoke on the atmosphere in the stadium.
The Olympic champion has earlier spoken about maintaining a higher grade of fitness in the pre-season and pressed on the matter further, revealing that this has been one of his main focuses this season.
"For this season I plan to stay fit and do more than I can. Sometimes it's really hard because we have a big country, and people hope for me, and now more athletes of people from my country join me in the Diamond League and other competitions. I'm lucky people have faith in me, I feel really good," Chopra said.
"This Doha meeting is great, the first one every year. Today was challenging, next time I'll do more. This season I'll stay fit consistently and I'll try to do my best in the next competitions," the Olympic champion concluded.
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