Reigning Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra stormed into the men’s javelin final at the Paris 2024 Summer Games with a single, spectacular throw. On his first attempt in the Group B qualification round, Neeraj hurled the javelin 89.34m, securing his spot in the final. This impressive throw, which marked his season-best, allowed Neeraj to bypass the need for any further attempts.
While Neeraj Chopra flourished, his compatriot, Kishore Jena, did not make it past the qualification stage. Jena’s best throw of 80.73m placed him ninth in Group A and 18th overall, falling short of the top 12 needed to advance to the final.
Competitive field in Javelin Throw
The competition is fierce, with top contenders like Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, Grenada’s Anderson Peters, and Germany’s Julian Weber all making the cut for the final. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown in the men’s javelin final on 8 August.
Kishore Jena: Impact in Asian Games 2023
Neeraj Chopra’s gold medal at the Asian Games 2023 is a testament to his skill and resilience, but it was also a story of teamwork and camaraderie. Kishore Jena, who secured silver in the same event, played a crucial role in Neeraj’s success.
During the competition in Hangzhou, China, a significant officiating error almost derailed Neeraj’s performance. His first throw, which was not recorded despite being a “good” one, caused a disruption in his focus. This kind of error can be a major setback for an athlete, affecting their concentration and performance.
Kishore Jena‘s role in Neeraj Chopra’s success
Neeraj Chopra then credited Kishore Jena for helping him regain his focus after the officiating mishap. Jena’s impressive throws, particularly his personal best of 87.54m, provided Neeraj with the competitive push he needed to perform at his best.
Neeraj’s fourth registered throw of 88.88m ultimately secured him the gold medal, while Jena’s stellar performance earned him the silver.
“Jena’s throw helped me to regain my focus. I was very happy that Jena qualified for the Olympics and that his throw warmed up and pushed me to perform because I was really put off after my first throw controversy,” Neeraj had shared during a media interaction.
Missed Opportunity at Paris Olympics
Had Kishore Jena made it to the Olympic final, his presence could have been equally beneficial for Neeraj Chopra. The psychological boost and friendly rivalry between the two Indian athletes might have spurred Neeraj to even greater heights. In high-stakes competitions like the Olympics, having a supportive teammate can make a significant difference.
Kishore Jena’s ability to push Neeraj Chopra and keep him focused amid distractions is a valuable asset. Their shared experience at the Asian Games highlighted how crucial this dynamic can be. In Paris, Jena’s absence in the final round is a missed opportunity for Neeraj to benefit from the same supportive environment.
What’s ahead?
As Neeraj Chopra prepares for the final, he carries with him the lessons and experiences from past competitions, including the support and rivalry of Kishore Jena. The stage is set for another historic moment, and the spirit of teamwork and mutual encouragement will continue to drive India’s top javelin thrower.
