Lausanne Diamond League LIVE – Neeraj Chopra Lausanne Diamond League: A fit-again Neeraj Chopra has returned to win the Gold medal at the Diamond League in Lausanne, Switzerland. He managed to reach 89.08m in his very first attempt on his return from injury. With that, he also became the first Indian to win the Diamond League finals. Czech Republic’s Jakub Vadlejch finished 2nd with an 85.88m throw. Follow Neeraj Chopra Javelin Throw LIVE Updates with Insidesport.IN
The 24-year-old Chopra had pulled out of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games due to a “minor” groin injury he had suffered while winning a silver during the World Championships last month. He hurled the spear to 89.08m in his first attempt to seal the win in style on Friday.
Chopra rested and rehabilitated for a month. It looked like the injury had not happened at all as he continued his vintage form. The 89.08m throw was his third career-best effort.
With this also qualified for the 2023 World Athletics Championships by breaching the 85.20m qualifying mark.
Neeraj Chopra at Lausanne Diamond League:
- 1st Attempt: 89.08m
- 2nd Attempt: 85.18m
- 3rd Attempt: Skipped
- 4th Attempt: FOULED
- 5th Attempt: Skipped
- 6th Attempt: 80.04m
Lausanne Diamond League LIVE: Neeraj Chopra wins GOLD at Lausanne with 89.08m throw, becomes 1st Indian to qualify for Diamond League FINALS: Check Highlights
The 89.08m throw was also enough for him to qualify for World Athletics Championships 2023 in Budapest. It took him just one attempt to breach the qualification mark of 85.20m. But as for Diamond League Final standings, Neeraj Chopra remains 4th. With 8 points from Lausanne, he took his tally to 15 points to book his spot in the Diamond League finals. The final will take place on September 7-8 in Zurich.
While it was a great return for the Olympic champion, he would not be happy with his returns. After the 89.03m mark, he managed just one above 85m throw. He fouled in his 4th attempt while skipped the 3rd and 5th. His last attempt was below average by his standards at 80.04m.
Lausanne Diamond League LIVE: Neeraj Chopra wins GOLD at Lausanne with 89.08m throw, becomes 1st Indian to qualify for Diamond League FINALS: Check Highlights
But that the World Championships silver medallist regained his momentum ahead of the Diamond League Final on his return from injury, will give him confidence. He remains the only Olympic champion to not cross the 90m mark.
However, he is in touching distance of the coveted mark. With a throw of 88.39m mark, he managed a silver in Oregon World Championships. His personal best of 89.94m was also not very far ago.
His first throw was all that was needed 👊
A magnificent 89.08m throw was plenty for @Neeraj_chopra1 🇮🇳 to take things a little easier after that as he seals the #DiamondLeague 💎 win here at #LausanneDL 🇨🇭
📸 @matthewquine pic.twitter.com/TsmVpowdUa
— Wanda Diamond League (@Diamond_League) August 26, 2022
Lausanne Diamond League LIVE: Neeraj Chopra wins GOLD at Lausanne with 89.08m throw, becomes 1st Indian to qualify for Diamond League FINALS: Check Highlights
Lausanne Diamond League LIVE: Neeraj Chopra wins GOLD at Lausanne with 89.08m throw, becomes 1st Indian to qualify for Diamond League FINALS: Check Highlights
Follow Neeraj Chopra Javelin Throw LIVE Updates with Insidesport.IN