And India’s javelin ace Neeraj Chopra once again did, what he was expected to do. The 26-year-old Tokyo Olympics champion decimated the opposition to win a gold at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland on Tuesday. Facing German teen sensation Max Dehning for the very first time, Neeraj Chopra produced a best throw of 85.97m to take the top prize on the day.
The win is a significant boost to Neeraj’s chances at the Paris Olympics 2024, where Dehning will be one of his closest competitors, who is a world leader this year, and has already breached the 90m mark.
Neeraj Chopra vs Max Dehning, As it Happened
The Paavo Nurmi Games wasn’t the best outing for Dehning, who started with a first throw of 79.84m. On the other hand, Neeraj started with a first throw of 83.62m. The Indian was able to maintain his lead throughout, and then followed his effort with a throw of 83.45m. Dehning fouled in the second, and skipped the third.
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Neeraj’s best effort came in the third throw — 85.97m, and followed it up with 82.21m. The fifth throw was a foul, while he wrapped up the proceedings with 82.97m, to win the competition.
Neeraj Sets Tone for Paris Olympics 2024
Toni Keränen (84.19m) bagged the silver medal, while Oliver Helander (83.96m) took home the bronze at the Paavo Nurmi competition. As far as Neeraj Chopra’s season is concerned, he started the year with a throw of 88.36m at the Doha Diamond League, and followed that up with a gold at the Federations Cup.
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