Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra delivered a strong performance at the Lausanne Diamond League, securing second place with a throw of 89.49 metres. Although the distance fell just short of the coveted 90m mark, it was enough to secure his spot in the Diamond League Finals in Brussels.
Season Best for Neeraj Chopra
Neeraj Chopra’s best throw of the night came in the fifth round, where he unleashed an 89.49m effort. It was a season’s best for the reigning Olympic champion, surpassing his previous marks this year, but it wasn’t enough to satisfy the ever-competitive athlete. As the javelin landed, Chopra put his hands on his head, visibly disappointed that he couldn’t breach the elusive 90m barrier.
The competition started on a challenging note for Chopra, with his first three attempts failing to cross the 85m mark. His second throw of 83.21m was his best in the early rounds, placing him in fourth position. Knowing that a top-six finish was necessary to qualify for the Diamond League Finals, Chopra found his rhythm in the latter stages of the event.
Anderson Peters Steals the Show
While Chopra’s throw was impressive, it was Grenadian Anderson Peters who stole the spotlight. Peters set a new meet record with a stunning 90.61m throw, surpassing the previous record of 90.16m set by Keshorn Walcott in 2015. This exceptional performance secured Peters the top spot in Lausanne, with Chopra finishing as the runner-up.
Neeraj Chopra strategy amid Injury Concerns
Neeraj Chopra’s participation in Lausanne came amid ongoing concerns about a groin injury that has been troubling him since the Paris Olympics. Despite this, the Indian javelin ace opted to continue his season rather than return home for treatment, determined to see the Diamond League season through before making any decisions about surgery.
Neeraj Chopra’s resilience is particularly notable given the absence of his Olympic rival, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who skipped the Lausanne meet. The competition was fierce, with top throwers like Czechia’s Jakub Vadlejch, who currently leads the Diamond League standings, also vying for the title.
Eyes on Diamond League Final in Brussels
Neeraj Chopra’s second-place finish at Lausanne not only marks a personal best for the season but also secures his place in the Diamond League Finals in Brussels on September 14. Currently fourth in the overall standings, Chopra will aim to reclaim the title he won in 2022, where he became the first Indian to clinch a Diamond League Finals victory.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Neeraj Chopra to see how he manages his form and fitness, particularly in light of his injury. With the Diamond League Finals just around the corner, the Indian champion remains focused on ending his season on a high note.
