India’s Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Neeraj Chopra fell agonisingly short of finishing at the top in the Zurich Diamond League, days after he won the gold medal at Budapest World Athletics Championships 2023.
Unlike his wins at the Tokyo Olympics and World Athletics Championships, Chopra saved his best for the last. In the fifth round, he came up with an 85.71 metre throw but it was not enough to go past Czech Republic's Jakub Vadlejch’s 85.86 metre throw.
Neeraj began with an 80.79-metre throw. He committed two fouls after. His fourth throw of 85.22 metre put him in podium contention once again. He followed it up with an 85.71 metre throw which was just 16 centimetres short of Vadlejch’s throw.
Neeraj has already qualified for the six-man Diamond League final with wins in Doha and Lausanne legs.
In a groundbreaking achievement, Neeraj Chopra became the first Indian athlete to clinch a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships 2023, held in Budapest, Hungary. Chopra set a new personal benchmark with an exceptional throw of 88.17m in the men's javelin final, solidifying his reputation as one of the sport's elite competitors.
Early Qualification and Paris Olympics 2024
Notably, Chopra secured his spot in the final round with an outstanding first throw of 88.77m. His performance not only assured his place in the final but also qualified him for the upcoming Paris Olympics in 2024, adding another milestone to his burgeoning career.
Consistent Performances and Previous Accolades
Before his triumphant gold in 2023, Neeraj Chopra had also won a prestigious silver medal at the Oregon World Championships in 2022. This was India's second-ever medal at the World Athletics Championships, following Anju Bobby George's bronze in 2003. In May 2023, Chopra further made headlines by securing the top spot at the Doha Diamond League with an awe-inspiring throw of 88.67m. Simultaneously, he ascended to the first position in the men's javelin throw rankings published by World Athletics.
Neeraj Chopra’s Diamond League Dominance
Chopra's accomplishments aren't limited to World Championships alone. He has been a consistent performer in Diamond League events, having won the Diamond League final in Zurich in 2022 with a throw of 88.44m. In 2023, he continued to dominate the circuit with victories in Doha and Lausanne, recording throws of 88.67m and 87.67m, respectively.
At just 25 years old, Neeraj Chopra has now won gold medals at every major international athletic event, making him one of India's most celebrated sports icons. His journey from winning a historic silver in 2022 to grabbing gold in 2023 reflects his undying commitment and unparalleled skill in javelin throw.
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