Will Neeraj Chopra Make History Again at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo?
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Synopsis
As Neeraj Chopra returns to Tokyo's National Stadium, the site of his historic Olympic victory, he aims to defend his title at the World Athletics Championships. With fierce competition and high stakes, will he repeat history? Discover the journey of this javelin star as he takes on the world's best.
Key Takeaways
- Neeraj Chopra aims to defend his title at the 2025 World Athletics Championships.
- Chopra has previously won a historic Olympic gold in 2021.
- The men's javelin competition features a highly competitive field.
- Live coverage is available on JioHotstar and Star Sports channels.
- India's Annu Rani leads the women's javelin challenge.
Tokyo, Sep 16 (NationPress) Indian javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra, who fondly remembers Tokyo's National Stadium as the site of his groundbreaking Olympic gold in 2021, is set to make his return to this iconic venue on Wednesday, seeking yet another remarkable achievement at the 2025 World Athletics Championships.
As the defending champion, Chopra enters the competition with the weight of history on his shoulders, having made headlines in Budapest two years ago by becoming India's first-ever world champion in athletics with an impressive throw of 88.17m. On that occasion, Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem claimed silver with a throw of 87.82m.
The rivalry escalated in Paris last year when Nadeem took the Olympic title from Chopra with a stunning throw of 92.97m, while the Indian athlete had to settle for silver with a best attempt of 89.45m.
Currently ranked World No. 2, Chopra is poised to secure his third medal at the World Championships, having previously earned silver in Eugene, USA, three years ago. Earlier this season, he finally surpassed the 90m barrier with a national record throw of 90.23m at the Diamond League event in Doha, Qatar, although this places him third on the global list, behind Germany’s Julian Weber and Brazil’s Luiz da Silva.
The men's javelin field is fiercely competitive, featuring three athletes who have exceeded the 90m mark this year, alongside another five who have done so in previous seasons.
A total of 37 competitors will vie for 12 spots in Thursday’s final, with the automatic qualification standard set at 84.50m. Chopra, 27, will kick off his campaign in Group A, while Nadeem is scheduled in Group B.
India is also represented by Sachin Yadav in Group A, with Rohit Yadav and Yashvir Singh competing in Group B.
The top contender globally is Julian Weber, the current Diamond League champion and season leader with a throw of 91.51m. The competition also includes two-time world champion Anderson Peters from Grenada, 2012 Olympic gold medallist Keshorn Walcott from Trinidad and Tobago, and Tokyo 2020 silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch of Czechia, making the stakes in Tokyo even higher.
On the women’s side, Asian Games gold medallist Annu Rani will lead India’s challenge in the javelin throw.
Rani has recorded a season-best throw of 62.59m and will face a tough field that includes reigning World Champion Haruka Kitaguchi from Japan, Austria’s world leader Victoria Hudson with a throw of 67.76m, and Serbia’s Adriana Vilagos, who has achieved 67.22m this season.
The women’s javelin qualifiers will take place on Friday, with the medal round scheduled for Saturday.
World Athletics Men's Javelin Throw Schedule: Men's javelin throw qualification for Group A will begin at 3:40 PM, while Group B throws will start at 5:15 PM on Wednesday. The final event will commence at 3:53 PM on Thursday.
World Athletics Women's Javelin Throw Schedule: Women's javelin throw qualification for Group A will kick off at 4 PM on Friday, with Group B starting at 5:30 PM. The final is set to begin at 5:35 PM on Saturday.
Live Streaming Details: Fans can watch the men’s and women’s javelin throw events live on JioHotstar in India, with live telecasts available on Star Sports Select 1, Star Sports Select 1 HD, Star Sports Select 2, and Star Sports Select 2 HD channels in India.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the immense talent and dedication Neeraj Chopra brings to the field. His journey reflects not only individual excellence but also national pride. The upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo are more than just a competition; they symbolize India's growing stature in global athletics. We stand firmly behind our athletes, celebrating their achievements and supporting their endeavors.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Neeraj Chopra's historical achievement?
Neeraj Chopra made history by winning India's first Olympic gold medal in javelin throw at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
When is the men's javelin throw qualification taking place?
The men's javelin throw qualification for Group A will begin at 3:40 PM and Group B at 5:15 PM on Wednesday.
Which athletes are competing in the men's javelin throw?
The men's javelin throw features top competitors including Neeraj Chopra, Arshad Nadeem, Julian Weber, and Anderson Peters.
Where can I watch the World Athletics Championships live?
Live streaming will be available on JioHotstar, with broadcasts on Star Sports channels in India.
What are the dates for the women's javelin throw qualifiers?
The women's javelin throw qualifiers will begin at 4 PM on Friday, with the final set for Saturday at 5:35 PM.
