Neeraj Chopra, India’s javelin superstar, clinched his first Diamond League title in two years at the Paris leg, throwing a commanding 88.16 metres in his very first attempt. The 27-year-old’s powerful start set the tone, outshining a strong field that included his German rival, Julian Weber, who finished second with 87.88m. Brazil’s Luiz Mauricio da Silva rounded off the top three with a throw of 86.62m.
Though the elusive 90m mark remained untouched in Paris, Chopra’s opening throw proved sufficient to secure the top spot in a competition featuring five javelin throwers from the elite 90m club. His subsequent throws included an 85.10m, followed by three fouls, and a final effort of 82.89m. “I’m happy with my throw and especially with the win. My run-up was very fast today—maybe too fast to control—but I’m satisfied with the result,” Chopra stated post-event.
This victory marks a significant return to form for Chopra in the Diamond League circuit, his last win being in Lausanne in June 2023, where he threw 87.66m. Since then, he had registered six second-place finishes, including earlier this season in Doha, where he did breach the 90m mark (90.23m) but was narrowly beaten by Weber’s 91.06m final throw.
The reigning Olympic gold and silver medallist is now set to compete at the Golden Spike meet in Ostrava on June 24, followed by the highly anticipated inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru on July 5, a World Athletics category A event hosted in his honour. “I hope for more 90-metre throws this season. Having done it in Doha gives me confidence. But it depends on the weather, my form, and how the body feels,” Chopra added, hinting at his continuous pursuit of excellence.
Chopra’s return to the Paris Diamond League holds symbolic importance, as his last appearance here in 2017 as a junior world champion saw him finish fifth with 84.67m. The competition also witnessed other formidable contenders struggle, with Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott placing fourth (81.66m), followed by Grenada’s Anderson Peters (80.29m) and Kenya’s Julius Yego (80.26m). Chopra kicked off his 2025 season with a modest win at an invitational event in South Africa, throwing 84.52m. Since then, his performance has steadily gained momentum, reaffirming his position as a formidable contender for the upcoming World Championships later this year.
Also read: Assam Embraces Wellness: CM Sarma Leads Thousands in Yoga Day Celebrations at Salbari