Neeraj Chopra Breaks 90-Metre Barrier, Sets Eyes on Longer Throws Ahead of World Championship
Doha, May 17 – Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra has finally crossed the long-awaited 90-metre mark, registering a throw of 90.23 metres in his third attempt at the Doha Diamond League. While he expressed immense relief and happiness over the achievement, Chopra also admitted to a bittersweet feeling, as German thrower Julian Weber clinched the gold with a 91.06-metre throw in his final attempt.
As per agency report, Chopra, who is now the third Asian and 25th athlete overall to throw the javelin beyond 90 metres, made his mark under ideal conditions, aided by favourable winds and warm weather. At 27, the double Olympic medallist is working closely with his new coach, legendary Czech thrower Jan Železný, whose world record of 98.48 metres still stands. Železný, who normally does not attend Diamond League events, chose to be present in Doha, anticipating that Chopra could achieve this milestone during the meet.
Chopra shared that recurring groin discomfort had limited his performance in recent years. Now that he feels physically recovered, he is optimistic about throwing even farther in the upcoming competitions leading up to the World Championship, scheduled for September 13 to 21 in Tokyo, where he will defend his title. Having officially begun working with Železný in February, Chopra emphasized the positive impact of their training sessions in South Africa and the technical improvements they continue to focus on.
When asked about his next goal, Chopra stated that while crossing 90 metres was significant, his sights remain on repeating and extending such performances. He believes he is now physically and mentally ready for longer throws as the season progresses.
Reflecting on the Doha conditions, Chopra noted that the supportive weather and wind played a vital role. His coach reportedly told him during warmups that this was the day to achieve a 90-metre throw, and even after his successful attempt, he was encouraged that two to three more metres were still possible.
Despite narrowly missing the top podium spot, Chopra remained gracious, applauding Julian Weber’s performance and describing their competition as healthy and motivating. He noted that both athletes had worked for years to reach the 90-metre milestone, and achieving it together made the occasion more special. Weber, now the 26th athlete globally to breach the mark, also expressed joy over Chopra’s performance and their shared accomplishment.
Chopra did, however, acknowledge a recurring pattern of setting records while finishing second. He recalled similar outcomes during previous meets in Turku and Stockholm, where his national-record throws still left him just shy of first place.
Meanwhile, Anderson Peters of Grenada, a two-time world champion and Paris Olympic bronze medallist, secured third place with a best effort of 84.65 metres.
With his season off to a promising start and his body in better shape, Chopra is expected to be a major contender throughout the year. His Doha performance signals a renewed chapter in his career, one where greater distances and further accolades could very well be within reach.
