Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra defied the odds, finishing second in the Diamond League Final on September 14, 2024, despite battling a fractured hand. Competing at the iconic King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Chopra’s best throw reached 87.86 metres, narrowly missing the title by just one centimetre. Grenada’s Anderson Peters, the Paris Olympics bronze medallist, took the win with a throw of 87.87 metres, clinching the prestigious Diamond Trophy.
Germany’s Julian Weber secured third place with a throw of 85.97 metres, while Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem and 2023 Diamond Trophy winner Jakub Vadlejch did not participate in the final. The competition was held in chilly conditions, with temperatures hovering between 10 and 13 degrees Celsius.
Neeraj Chopra is battling injury
Neeraj Chopra’s performance in Brussels was particularly impressive given the circumstances. Just days before the event, he suffered a significant injury during practice. X-rays revealed a fracture in the fourth metacarpal of his left hand, a challenge that could have easily ended his season prematurely. However, with the support of his team, Neeraj made the decision to compete, determined to conclude his 2024 season on the track.
Reflecting on his season, Chopra tweeted, “On Monday, I injured myself in practice and x-rays showed that I had fractured the fourth metacarpal in my left hand. It was another painful challenge for me. But with the help of my team, I was able to participate in Brussels.”
Year of Growth and Learning for Neeraj Chopra
Though he couldn’t meet his own high expectations, Chopra remains positive about the season. “While I couldn’t meet my own expectations, I feel this was a season in which I learned a lot. I am now determined to return, fully fit and ready to go,” he shared. He acknowledged the challenges he faced throughout the year but emphasised that 2024 had made him a stronger athlete and person.
Looking ahead, Chopra expressed gratitude for the support he received and is eager to come back even stronger in 2025. “2024 has made me a better athlete and person. See you in 2025,” he concluded in his message to fans.
Competitive Season Marked by Resilience
Despite missing out on the Diamond Trophy for the second consecutive year, Neeraj Chopra showed remarkable resilience. In his first throw of the Brussels final, Chopra achieved 86.82 metres, putting him just behind Peters. After a second attempt of 83.49 metres, Chopra responded with a third throw of 87.86 metres, which ultimately secured his runner-up position.
While 2024 may not have ended with a title, Chopra’s perseverance in the face of injury demonstrated his fighting spirit and determination to push his limits. As he gears up for 2025, all eyes will be on the Indian champion as he continues his journey to greatness.
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