Record-Breaking Throw
Defending Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra has advanced to the javelin throw final at the Paris Olympics with a throw of 89.34 meters at the Stade de France. This is Chopra’s best throw at a global championship and his second-best overall, following his 89.94-meter throw at the Stockholm Diamond League. He achieved this on his first attempt despite a season plagued by an adductor issue.
Javelin Throw Final
Quest for Back-to-Back Gold
Chopra aims to become the first Indian to win two gold medals in an individual Olympic event and join the ranks of just four other men who have successfully defended their javelin gold in Olympic history. The finals are scheduled for August 8 at 11:50 pm.
Consistent Performance
Since winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics, Chopra has thrown below the 85-meter mark only twice in 15 events, demonstrating his consistent performance and reliability.
Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem Joins Finals
Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has also qualified for the finals, joining Chopra.
Kishore Jena Misses Final
Indian athlete Kishore Jena, who qualified for the finals with a throw of 87.54 meters at the Asian Games, failed to advance with a throw of 80.73 meters in Paris. Jena has struggled to surpass the 80-meter mark recently.
Season Highlights and Challenges
Chopra’s season saw him securing second place with a throw of 88.36 meters at the Doha Diamond League in May. However, he had to withdraw from the Ostrava Golden Spike event on May 28 due to an adductor issue. Despite this setback, Chopra made a strong comeback with a throw of 85.97 meters at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland on June 18.
Coach’s Assurance
Chopra decided to skip the Paris Diamond League on July 7, explaining that it was not included in his schedule. His coach confirmed that Chopra’s adductor is now in good condition and that he has been undergoing high-intensity training.
Major Competitors
Chopra’s main competitors include Germany’s Julian Weber, former world champion Anderson Peters, and Czech thrower Jakub Vadlejch, who won silver at the Tokyo Olympics and defeated Chopra at the Doha Diamond League.
Historic Ambition
Chopra’s goal to become the first Indian to win two Olympic golds in an individual event and join the elite group of athletes who have defended their javelin titles remains within reach as he prepares for the finals.