Neeraj Chopra's 90m throw 'not technically good', eyes 2-3m more
Synopsis
Neeraj Chopra's 90m throw was a landmark — but he barely watches the video. The Olympic champion says his lower body was off, costing him 2–3 metres, and that his quieter qualification-round throws are technically superior. It is a rare, unfiltered look at how Chopra thinks about perfection.
Key Takeaways
Neeraj Chopra says his 90m throw at the Doha Diamond League last season was 'not technically good' despite breaking the historic barrier.
He believes better lower-body mechanics could have added 2–3 metres to the effort.
Chopra prefers studying his qualification-round throws from the Olympics and World Championships, calling them 'technically better'.
Germany's Julian Weber out-threw Chopra on the night; Chopra said he was 'happy for him' given Weber's long journey to that breakthrough.
The 27-year-old is focused on technical refinement as he begins his new Diamond League season in Doha .
Neeraj Chopra, India's Olympic champion javelin thrower, has admitted that his landmark 90-metre throw at the Doha Diamond League last season was far from technically sound — and says he rarely even watches the video of it. Speaking at the Wanda Diamond League media interaction in Doha on Thursday, Chopra revealed that he believes better lower-body mechanics could have added another 2–3 metres to the effort.
What Chopra Said About the Historic Throw
Despite finally breaking the long-awaited 90m barrier in Doha last year, the 27-year-old world champion was candid about its limitations. 'Technically, the throw was not that good; it was really fast from the arm, but if I could do better with the lower body, maybe 2–3m more.... I haven't looked at that video many times,' he said. The admission is striking given that the throw was celebrated as one of the defining moments of his career.
Why He Prefers Studying Qualification Rounds
Chopra explained that he draws more technical inspiration from his qualification-round performances at events like the Olympics and World Championships, rather than his finals appearances. 'I really like my throws in the qualification rounds... I feel really relaxed and can throw really far. But whenever I compete in finals or the main competitions, I always try very hard, really aggressively, and I forget my techniques,' he said. He added that qualification throws are 'technically better' and serve as a more reliable blueprint for future improvement.
The Duel With Julian Weber
The Doha outing last season also produced a memorable contest with Germany's Julian Weber, who ultimately out-threw Chopra on the night. Rather than expressing disappointment, Chopra said he was genuinely pleased for his long-time rival. 'That was really amazing that I broke the 90m barrier last year. Suddenly, after my throw, Julian threw further than me. But I am happy for him because he also struggled. He threw 88m in front of me in 2016, and it took a lot of time for him too. I was happy for him,' Chopra said. The moment underscored a mutual respect between two athletes who have pushed each other across multiple seasons.
What This Means for the Season Ahead
As Chopra returns to Doha to open another Diamond League season, his focus is squarely on technical refinement rather than celebrating distances already cleared. The reigning world champion believes that when arm speed, lower-body mechanics, and rhythm align simultaneously, throws beyond 90 metres — and potentially beyond his personal best — become a realistic prospect. Notably, this self-critical approach has been a consistent thread in Chopra's training philosophy, even at the peak of his success.
Point of View
A technically cleaner effort could push India's javelin record into territory no one has mapped yet. The question for this season is whether he can replicate qualification-round composure in the pressure of a final — something he himself acknowledges has eluded him.
NationPress
3 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Neeraj Chopra say about his 90m throw at the Doha Diamond League?
Chopra said the throw was 'not technically good', noting that while his arm speed was explosive, his lower-body mechanics were not optimal. He believes a technically cleaner effort could add another 2–3 metres to the distance.
Why does Neeraj Chopra prefer watching his qualification-round throws?
Chopra says he feels more relaxed in qualification rounds and executes better technique, unlike finals where he tries too aggressively and loses his rhythm. He considers those throws a more accurate guide for future improvement.
Who is Julian Weber and what was his role in the Doha Diamond League?
Julian Weber is a German javelin thrower who out-threw Chopra on the night Chopra first crossed the 90m barrier in Doha. Chopra expressed genuine happiness for Weber, noting that Weber had thrown 88m as far back as 2016 and had worked for years to break through.
How old is Neeraj Chopra and what titles does he hold?
Neeraj Chopra is 27 years old and holds both the Olympic gold medal and the World Championship title in javelin throw, making him one of the most decorated track-and-field athletes in Indian history.
What is Neeraj Chopra's focus for the current Diamond League season?
Chopra is focused on refining his technical mechanics — particularly lower-body coordination — rather than chasing specific distance targets. He believes aligning all elements of his throw simultaneously could produce distances beyond his current personal best.
