Neeraj Chopra Clinches Paris Diamond League Title, Eyes More 90m Throws with Consistency
Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra made a strong statement on Friday night in Paris, clinching his first Diamond League title in nearly two years. The 27-year-old Indian javelin thrower produced a first-round effort of 88.16m to take top honours, edging out German rival Julian Weber in a star-studded field that featured five members of the elusive 90m club.
Chopra, who had last topped the Diamond League podium in Lausanne in June 2023, was visibly pleased with his return to winning ways. While he didn’t break the 90m mark this time, he expressed satisfaction with his consistency and his ability to perform under pressure.
“Today I was really happy with the start because I had a really good run-up technique, and everything was perfect. However, I felt my body was going too much to the left and I was trying to go with the javelin with my chest. So the technique was not great after the first throw,” Chopra told broadcasters after the win. “But I’m very happy with 88 metres today and a win after such a long time in a Wanda Diamond League.”
Chopra followed his opening throw with an 85.10m attempt before committing three fouls. He closed the competition with a modest 82.89m, but it was his opener that proved enough. Weber, who had beaten Chopra in two previous events this season, came close with an 87.88m throw in the first round but had to settle for second. Brazil’s Luiz Mauricio da Silva rounded out the top three with 86.62m.
Special Return to Paris
The Paris win was particularly meaningful for Chopra, marking his first victory at the venue where he had made his Diamond League debut in 2017 as a young world champion. Back then, he finished fifth with a throw of 84.67m.
“Paris holds a special place in my heart,” Chopra said. “I started my Diamond League career here seven or eight years ago, and to return and win here now feels amazing.”
He emphasized that while 90-metre throws are a goal, consistency under pressure remains his top priority, especially with the Paris Olympics and World Championships in focus.
“For me, consistency is the biggest key,” he said. “At major events like the World Championships or Olympics, you have to be able to deliver despite tough conditions. That’s what I focus on.”
Chopra had earlier crossed the 90m mark this season at the Doha Diamond League in May, registering a 90.23m throw—his personal best—but finishing second to Weber’s 91.06m.
Guidance from a Legend
A significant part of Chopra’s progress, he said, has been due to the influence of legendary Czech javelin thrower Jan Zelezny. The three-time Olympic champion has been mentoring Chopra, helping fine-tune both his mindset and technique.
“Having Jan Zelezny around makes me feel great. There is such positive energy about him,” said Chopra. “Earlier, coaches used to ask me to take long steps during the crossover, but Zelezny told me it’s okay to take short steps—just do it fast. That has helped me a lot.”
Zelezny’s input has been particularly valuable in improving Chopra’s body alignment and rhythm during throws—key areas Chopra said he still wants to perfect as he targets more 90m-plus performances.
Rivalry with Weber Heating Up
Chopra and Weber have built a competitive and respectful rivalry. The German had defeated Chopra at the Janusz Kusocinski Memorial in Poland on May 23, with a best throw of 86.12m, compared to Chopra’s 84.14m in cold, damp conditions. That defeat followed their Doha duel, making the Paris win an important confidence boost for the Indian athlete.
Chopra began his 2025 season with a win at a low-profile invitational in Potchefstroom, South Africa, where he threw 84.52m. But the Paris Diamond League, against a world-class field, was a much more significant milestone.
As the countdown to the Paris Olympics continues, Chopra’s focus remains firm: stay consistent, refine his technique, and trust the process. “I’m happy with the win, but I know there’s more to come,” he said. “I hope I can deliver more 90-metre throws in the coming events.”
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