Neeraj Chopra reveals how he feels after back-to-back silver, finishing second in Lausanne Diamond League

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Sports Tak

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Neeraj Chopra in the frame (Image via Getty)
Neeraj Chopra in the frame (Image via Getty)

Story Highlights:

The 88.05m effort was Chopra’s strongest of the 2026 season and his first throw beyond 88 metres since June 2025

The result offers encouraging signs of returning form for Chopra ahead of next month’s Asian Games

Neeraj Chopra has revealed how he feels after his back-to-back silver medals. The Indian javelin star threw a season-best 88.05 metres to finish second at the Lausanne Diamond League on Friday, missing victory by just nine centimetres. 

Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage claimed the win with a throw of 88.14m, extending his recent dominance over the two-time Olympic medallist. Additionally, Anderson Peters of Grenada took third place with 86.69m. 

Neeraj Chopra reflects on his silver medal in Lausanne Diamond League

Meanwhile, following the game, Chopra revealed how the second-best ending has affected him. The athletic gold medalist, reflecting on his performance, said: 

“With every competition, I feel that I’m coming back.”

Chopra added that the throw felt surprisingly relaxed  and that he was happy with the distance despite the narrow defeat. He opened with 83.54m before unleashing his best effort of the night on his second attempt, briefly taking the lead and prompting his trademark celebration. 

Pathirage responded immediately in the third round to reclaim top spot. Neither improved on those marks thereafter. The 88.05m effort was Chopra’s strongest of the 2026 season and his first throw beyond 88 metres since June 2025. 

The result offers encouraging signs of returning form for Chopra ahead of next month’s Asian Games, following a season that has so far included a fourth-place finish in Doha and silver at the Commonwealth Games.

ALSO READ: Neeraj Chopra finishes second in Lausanne Diamond League with season-best throw