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Neeraj Chopra finishes second in Doha Diamond League
He set a personal best record by breaching the 90m mark at the event.
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Bhavana P - Sat, 17, May 2025
- 14:21 EDT
- 0
Neeraj Chopra / X/ AshwiniVaishnaw
India’s star javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra finished second in the men’s javelin final at the Doha Diamond League on May 17, despite delivering a personal best throw of 90.23 metres — his first-ever throw beyond the elusive 90m mark.
The 27-year-old led the competition after his third-round effort, which made him the third Asian ever to breach the 90m barrier. Chopra became the 25th athlete in the history of the sport to achieve the feat, joining an elite list of javelin greats that includes his coach Jan Zelezny.
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However, the lead slipped from his grasp in the final moments of the event. Germany’s Julian Weber, trailing behind, launched a 91.06m throw in his sixth and final attempt to overtake Chopra and claim gold. It was also Weber’s first throw over 90m, making him the 26th athlete to cross the benchmark and setting the world-leading mark for the season.
Chopra began the event strongly with an 88.44m throw, followed by a foul, and then his record-breaking 90.23m. His subsequent attempts measured 80.56m, a second foul, and 88.20m. The consistent series, highlighted by the 90m milestone, was not enough to counter Weber’s final surge.
A spectacular feat! Congratulations to Neeraj Chopra for breaching the 90 m mark at Doha Diamond League 2025 and achieving his personal best throw. This is the outcome of his relentless dedication, discipline and passion. India is elated and proud. @Neeraj_chopra1 pic.twitter.com/n33Zw4ZfIt
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 17, 2025
Two-time world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada secured the third spot with a best throw of 84.65m. India’s Kishore Jena placed eighth with 78.60m.
Chopra first competed in the Doha DL in 2018 when he finished fourth with a best throw of 87.43m. After winning gold in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, he took the title here in 2023 (88.67m) and finished second in 2024 (88.36m).
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