Chopra Sets Sights on Paris and 90 Meters at Star-Studded Doha Opener, Jena also to compete for his DL debut
Neeraj Chopra, India’s golden javelin thrower, isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. As the prestigious Diamond League series kicks off its 2024 season, Chopra will be at the heart of the action, starting his campaign in the star-studded Doha leg on May 10th.
Fresh off his Asian Games gold in Hangzhou, Chopra’s focus is laser-sharp: defending his Olympic title in Paris later this year. Standing in his way will be a familiar cast of characters, all vying to dethrone the reigning champion.
Czech Republic’s Jakub Vadlejch, the Tokyo Olympics silver medalist and 2023 World Championships bronze medalist, will be a formidable opponent. Chopra knows Vadlejch well, having faced him on multiple occasions, including a memorable 2022 Diamond League meeting where Vadlejch unleashed a personal best throw exceeding 90 meters.
Another challenger is Anderson Peters of Grenada, the former world champion. Peters holds the fifth-longest throw in history, a staggering 93.07 meters achieved in 2022.
But Chopra isn’t just aiming for gold in Paris; he also has his sights set on a personal milestone – breaching the elusive 90-meter barrier.
“This year, my personal goal is to defend my Olympic title, but it would also mean a lot to me to break the 90m barrier,” Chopra shared
He highlighting the significance of the Doha meet. “The Doha Meeting, with good conditions and a great atmosphere, is a perfect opportunity to get my season off to the best start.”
Adding another layer of intrigue is the presence of Chopra’s compatriot, Kishore Jena. Jena, who finished fifth in the 2023 World Championships and bagged a silver medal at the Asian Games, will be making his Diamond League debut in Doha.
This Indian contingent could pose a powerful challenge, pushing each other to even greater heights. Doha promises to be a high-octane affair, showcasing the best javelin throwers in the world.
The quality of competition has been steadily rising in recent years, with Chopra himself credited for raising the bar for Indian athletes.
Recalling the 2023 World Championships, where three Indians reached the javelin throw final, Chopra expressed his pride: “Last year my dream was to win the World Championships, but to have three Indian athletes competing in the final – that shows we’re progressing as a nation.”
The Doha meeting serves as a crucial stepping stone on Chopra’s path to Paris. It’s a chance to gauge his form against top competitors, test his techniques, and build momentum for the ultimate test – defending his Olympic crown.
With his unwavering focus, unwavering support from Indian fans in Qatar, and the promise of a high-quality competition, Chopra is poised to make a powerful statement at the Doha Diamond League.
Will he conquer the 90-meter barrier?
Will he set the stage for a dominant performance in Paris? The world will be watching with bated breath as Neeraj Chopra takes center stage in Doha.
Written By Ishant Garg
