A look at the best throws of India’s golden boy, Neeraj Chopra!
There's a palpable excitement in India whenever Neeraj Chopra prepares to launch his javelin. Since winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics, Chopra has consistently pushed his limits, setting new personal bests and making his mark in the record books. At just 24, the Haryana native became the first Indian to secure an Olympic track and field medal and followed up with a historic silver at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon. India's previous World Championship medal was Anju Bobby George’s bronze in 2003. Chopra has held the national javelin throw record since 2016. Here are his top five longest throws.
Neeraj Chopra set a new national record for the second time in a month with his 89.94-meter throw at the Stockholm Diamond League. This impressive mark, just six centimetres short of the 90-meter milestone, is his current personal best. Chopra remains optimistic about breaking the 90-meter barrier in future competitions. Meanwhile, Grenadian Anderson Peters clinched gold with a meeting record-breaking throw of 90.31 m, with an extraordinary performance in the event.
Neeraj Chopra faced a challenging start at the Lausanne Diamond League 2024. Struggling with his first four throws, none of which exceeded 85 meters, he finally surpassed this mark on his fifth attempt. However, it was his final throw that captured attention. With his signature roar, Chopra launched the javelin to 89.49 m, showing his resilience and skill. Despite this impressive performance, he fell short of Grenada’s Anderson Peters, who claimed the title with a throw of 90.61 m. Chopra’s determined effort highlighted his potential and kept the competition thrilling until the end.
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Neeraj Chopra delivered a strong performance in the men’s javelin throw. On his second attempt, Chopra recorded his season-best throw of 89.45 meters, positioning himself in second place after the initial rounds. Although his first throw was a foul, he made a remarkable recovery with his next effort, coming close to the 90-meter mark. Chopra’s throw demonstrated his skill and determination, highlighting his status as a top competitor in the event. His performance set the stage for an exciting competition as he aimed for the gold medal.
Indian athlete Neeraj Chopra has made a powerful statement in his bid to defend his Olympic title at the Paris 2024 Games. In the men’s javelin throw qualification round at the Stade de France, Chopra effortlessly secured his spot in the final with an outstanding first throw. He launched the javelin 89.34 meters on his opening attempt, well above the 84-meter mark needed for direct qualification. This throw also ranks as the second-longest of Chopra’s career, underscoring his exceptional form and setting the stage for a strong performance in the final.
Two weeks before his performance in Sweden, Neeraj Chopra competed in the Paavo Nurmi Games, where he achieved a throw of 89.30 meters, setting a new national record and personal best at the time. This impressive effort earned him the silver medal, finishing just behind Finland’s Oliver Helander. The home favourite secured gold with a throw of 89.93 meters. Chopra’s near-record throw demonstrated his exceptional form and consistency, marking a significant milestone in his career and setting the stage for his subsequent success.
Despite Chopra falling short of the 90-meter mark and losing out on gold at the Olympics, his resilience as a champion is an assurance to the people of the country that this isn't the end for him! There are many more gold medals to come!
