Neeraj Chopra and the Evolution of Indian Javelin: A Record-Breaking Journey

Neeraj Chopra
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When Neeraj Chopra breached the 90-metre mark with a massive throw of 90.23m at the Doha Diamond League on May 16, 2025, he didn’t just set a new national record—he broke a psychological barrier that had long eluded Indian athletics.

It was the culmination of years of dedication, consistency, and a series of performances that have redefined the men’s javelin throw in India.

Neeraj Chopra

Here’s a look at Neeraj Chopra’s last five national records, each of which marked a significant milestone not only in his career but in the history of Indian track and field.

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1. 90.23m – Doha Diamond League (May 16, 2025)

The most recent and the most iconic. Neeraj became the first Indian to breach the 90-metre barrier, a mark revered in global javelin throwing.

Achieved at the prestigious Doha Diamond League, this throw confirmed Neeraj’s status among the world’s elite and reignited discussions about the 100m mark in the future. His technique, composure, and control were flawless in a high-pressure competition.

2. 89.94m – Stockholm Diamond League (June 30, 2022)

This performance was previously Neeraj’s personal best and national record before the 90m breakthrough. In the chilly conditions of Stockholm, Neeraj stunned the athletics world by coming agonisingly close to 90m.

At the time, it was also an Indian record and the second-best throw globally that year. It demonstrated that Neeraj could perform at the very top level in international meets.

3. 89.30m – Paavo Nurmi Games, Turku (June 14, 2022)

Just weeks before his Stockholm feat, Neeraj had already rewritten history in Finland, throwing 89.30m. It was his first throw beyond 89 metres, and it came in a meet known for strong javelin traditions.
The Paavo Nurmi Games proved to be the perfect launchpad for Chopra’s assault on the 90m mark, showing signs of what was to come later that season.

4. 88.07m – Indian Grand Prix 3, Patiala (March 5, 2021)

This throw marked his return to competition after the COVID-19 hiatus and was a statement of intent ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.

Throwing over 88m on home soil, Neeraj gave fans and critics a glimpse of the champion form he would take into the Olympics. It was also India’s best throw since his own 88.06m at the 2018 Asian Games.

5. 88.06m – Asian Games, Jakarta (August 27, 2018)

This was Neeraj’s breakthrough throw, and the one that announced him to the Asian continent in style. He claimed the Asian Games gold with a throw that was then a national record.
It stood tall for nearly three years and laid the foundation for his Olympic success in 2021. It was also the farthest throw by any Asian that year.

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Consistency at the Highest Level

Neeraj Chopra
Credit Wanda DL

What sets Neeraj Chopra apart is not just his record-breaking throws but the consistency with which he pushes the boundaries of Indian athletics. From 88.06m in 2018 to 90.23m in 2025, his growth has been methodical. Each record has come at a major meet, under pressure, against world-class competitors.

Moreover, these records reflect Neeraj’s evolution as a complete athlete—technically sound, mentally strong, and physically elite. He has remained injury-free for most of his career, a testament to his disciplined preparation and world-class support team.

What’s Next for Neeraj?

With the World Athletics Championships 2025 and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics on the horizon, the question now is: Can Neeraj challenge the world record of 98.48m set by Jan Železný?

While that remains a steep target, Neeraj has already achieved what no Indian ever has—Olympic gold, multiple Diamond League wins, Asian titles, and now, a 90m+ throw.

At just 27 years of age, the Neeraj Chopra era still feels like it’s only just begun.

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