'This is just the beginning': Neeraj Chopra on breaching 90m mark in Doha

IANS May 19, 2025 326 views

Neeraj Chopra has finally achieved his long-sought goal of breaching the 90-meter mark in javelin throwing at the Doha Diamond League. The 27-year-old Indian athlete unleashed a remarkable 90.23m throw under his new coach, three-time Olympic gold medalist Jan Zelezny. Although Julian Weber of Germany ultimately won the competition with a 91.06m throw, Chopra's performance marks a significant milestone in his career. This breakthrough sets the stage for his future aspirations, including defending his World Championship title and targeting Olympic gold in 2028.

"This is just the beginning" - Neeraj Chopra
'This is just the beginning': Neeraj Chopra on breaching 90m mark in Doha
New Delhi, May 18: Neeraj Chopra reflected on his recent outing at the Doha Diamond League 2025 where the Indian star finally breached the 90 metre mark with his throw of 90.23.

Key Points

1

Chopra crosses 90m milestone after years of attempts

2

Coached by Olympic gold medalist Jan Zelezny

3

Narrowly missed Diamond League victory

4

Joins elite international javelin throwers club

The impact of new coach Jan Zelezny was apparent as Chopra finally crossed the match that he had attempted several times in the last few years. Chopra has recently appointed three-time Olympic gold medallist Zelezny of the Czech Republic as his coach, replacing Dr. Klaus Bartonietz and the 27-year-old thanked his coach and physio for their support while letting the people know that ‘This is just the beginning.’

“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," posted Chopra on X.

After a steady start in which he reached 88.44m in his first attempt and followed it up with a foul, Chopra unleashed the monster throw in his third attempt and crossed the milestone that has evaded him for a while with a throw of 90.23m.

With this throw, Neeraj joins the elite club of javelin throwers who have crossed the 90 m mark, which includes reigning Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan, reaffirming his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Neeraj fouled his fourth attempt, and just when it looked like the Indian star would bag another golden triumph in a Diamond League meet, Germany's Julian Weber snatched the victory with a 91.06m attempt in the final round.

It was a good result for Chopra as it took off the pressure of crossing the 90m mark off his back, and the Indian star can now concentrate on defending his World Championship gold and on regaining the Olympic gold medal in Los Angeles in 2028.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What a proud moment for India! 🇮🇳 Neeraj has been chasing this 90m mark for years, and finally achieving it shows his dedication. The way he thanked Indian supporters shows his humility. Can't wait to see him break more records in LA 2028!
P
Priya M.
The new coach seems to be making a difference already! Zelezny's experience is showing in Neeraj's performance. Though he missed gold by a small margin, 90m is a huge psychological barrier broken. Now the floodgates will open for bigger throws!
A
Amit S.
Interesting to see Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem mentioned here. Healthy competition between our athletes pushes both to perform better. But no doubt Neeraj is in a league of his own - first Indian to cross 90m! 🎯
S
Sunita R.
While we celebrate this achievement, let's not forget the pressure our athletes face. Neeraj handled the 90m pressure with grace, and now he can focus on bigger goals. More power to him! But the sports ministry should ensure better support for all athletes, not just stars.
V
Vikram J.
That third attempt must have been magical to watch live! 90.23m is no joke. Just imagine - the javelin flew the length of a football field plus 10 yards! 🤯 Neeraj is making physics look easy.
M
Meena P.
His consistency is remarkable - 88m in first attempt, then the big 90m. Though Weber snatched gold at the end, Neeraj's achievement is more significant long-term. "This is just the beginning" gives me goosebumps! More glory awaits our golden boy.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published


Disclaimer: Comments here reflect the author's views alone. Insulting or using offensive language against individuals, communities, religion, or the nation is illegal.

Tags:
Neeraj Chopra Javelin Throw Indian Athletics Doha Diamond League Jan Zelezny