Blitz Bureau
THE two- time Olympic medallist and India’s greatest athlete had been trolled heavily for inviting arch rival Arshad Nadeem to participate in the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025. However, in the indomitable spirit of a true champion, 27- year- old Neeraj Chopra came up with a stupendous throw of 90. 23 metres—his best- ever showing at the Diamond League Championships in Doha on May 15.
This was the first time ever that he had breached the elusive 90- metre mark in his illustrious career. Though he had to settle for the silver as Germany’s Julian Webber won the gold with a throw of 91. 04.
For Neeraj this 90 plus throw was a monkey off his back. For many years now, his critics h a d been saying that he didn’t have it in him to breach the 9 0 – m e t r e mark. Taking to so- cial media after the event, Neeraj expressed his gratitude and optimism. “Happy to finally achieve the 90m mark at the Doha DL. A big thank you to the Indian supporters in the stadium for their encouragement, and to those watching and praying from home. Grateful to my coach Jan Zelezny, and physio Ishaan Marwaha for their constant support. This is just the beginning,” he posted on X.
Another positive for Neeraj was that he has completely recovered from the groin injury which had been hampering him for the last couple of years. He had been going from one doctor to another in an attempt to get healed as this was a major impediment. As Neeraj himself pointed out,” the groin injury was preventing me from going all out, I was afraid that it may lead to another injury.”
However, the biggest positive for Neeraj was his association with Czech javelin expert Jan Zelezny, Even though the Indian had signed the contract in November 2024, it was only in February that the Czech could join him full time. The duo had a two- month intensive camp in South Africa before Neeraj competed in the Diamond League. The result was for a l l to see as Neeraj came up with his career best throw.
It’s worth mentioning that Zelezny has done a record of 48 90 plus throws. He is supposed to have the best technique. For Neeraj, the timing of this 90 plus throw was important. At the World Championships (in which he is the defending champion), which gets underway in Paris on September 13, one hopes that he is able to successfully defend his title there.
