India’s star javelin thrower and reigning World champion, Neeraj Chopra, demonstrated his skill and determination at the Diamond League finals in Eugene. His best throw of 83.80 metres earned him second place in this significant tournament, where he faced off Jakub Vadlejch and Oliver Helander
Neeraj Chopra previously won the Diamond League title in 2022, with a stunning best effort of 88.44 metres. His incredible journey in the realm of javelin throwing had already drawn international notice, and he was primed to continue his impressive streak in the competition’s 2023 edition.
Last year, Neeraj Chopra became the first Indian to win a Diamond League Trophy, but he was unable to retain his championship at Hayward Field. Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic, the Diamond League champion in 2016 and 2017, won his third championship with a best throw of 84.24m.
In Eugene, no competitor broke the 85m barrier. Neeraj Chopra, who owns the Indian national record of 89.94m, earned a world championship silver medal with an 88.13m performance at the same location last year.
Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic and world champion, opened with a foul on his first try. With his second throw, the 25-year-old set a new personal best of 83.80m, moving him into second place behind Jakub Vadlejch, who began with an 84.01m performance.
Jakub Vadlejch maintained his advantage with an 81.37m throw on the third try, followed by another foul from Neeraj Chopra, despite the latter managing just one legal throw in the first four tries.
Jakub Vadlejch recorded his highest mark of the night on the last try to defeat Neeraj Chopra for the second time this year. Last month, Vadlejch defeated Neeraj Chopra in the Zurich Diamond League.
With the Diamond League finals completed, Neeraj Chopra’s attention now moves to the forthcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, which begin on September 23. He bears the dreams and aspirations of a nation anxious to see him flourish on the world scene once more as a significant figure in Indian sports.
Featured Image: The Economic Times