India's javelin star, Neeraj Chopra, is set to once again showcase his brilliance on the international athletics stage. Chopra will compete in the men's javelin throw at the first leg of the Diamond League tournament, scheduled for May 16, 2025, in Doha, Qatar.
Sports News: Neeraj Chopra is now considered one of India's most successful and celebrated athletes. He has achieved many historic milestones, bringing pride to the nation throughout his career. Neeraj is the first Indian javelin thrower to win two Olympic medals, adding a new chapter to the country's sporting history.
He won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, securing India's first-ever Olympic gold in javelin throw. He followed this with a silver medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, delivering another stellar performance.
Olympic Hero Neeraj's Return
Neeraj Chopra needs no introduction. He secured India's first gold medal in javelin throw at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 and recently created history by winning a silver medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. His goal now is to leave his mark once again at the Diamond League 2025. In 2023, Neeraj won the title in the Diamond League final with a magnificent throw of 88.67 meters.
In 2024, he finished second by a narrow margin, but his throw of 88.36 meters was by no means insignificant. This time in Doha, he will aim for a b start from the first leg itself.
Kishore Jena to also excel? Gulveer to make his track debut
Kishore Jena will be India's second leading javelin thrower in the competition. He participated in the Diamond League last year, where he secured ninth place with a throw of 76.31 meters. He will arrive in Doha hoping for a better performance this time. Jena has worked extensively on his technique and fitness over the past year and aims for a top-five finish.
While Neeraj and Jena will represent India in the field event, Gulveer Singh will make his Diamond League debut in the track event. Competing in the men's 5000-meter race, Gulveer is currently the Indian national record holder and recently performed brilliantly at the Asian Championships. Gulveer faces a tough challenge, but he has the potential to chart a new direction for Indian athletics.
Parul Chaudhary also in the fray
Parul Chaudhary, India's national record holder in the women's 3000-meter steeplechase, will also participate. Parul has established herself as a world-class runner in this event over the past few years and aims for a b timing in the opening leg of the Diamond League. Neeraj and Kishore are expected to face stiff competition this time.
Anderson Peters of Grenada, a two-time world champion and bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics, will also be part of the competition. Other participants include Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic, Julian Weber and Max Dehning of Germany, Roderick Dean of Japan, and Kenyan veteran Julius Yego.
