Can Neeraj Chopra Break the Second Place Streak at Paris Diamond League?
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Synopsis
After two consecutive second-place finishes, Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra is ready to clinch victory at the Paris Diamond League. Scheduled for June 21 at Stade Sebastien Charlety, this event marks his long-awaited return to the venue since 2017. Will he rise to the occasion against a fierce lineup?
Key Takeaways
- Neeraj Chopra aims to convert his second-place finishes into a win at the Paris Diamond League.
- This will be his first appearance since 2017 at the Paris event.
- Chopra's throw of 90.23m is a new Indian national record.
- He faces tough competition, including Julian Weber and Anderson Peters.
- The event is critical for setting the tone for the rest of his season.
New Delhi, June 20 (NationPress) Following consecutive second-place finishes this season, Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic gold medalist, is determined to secure a victory at the Paris Diamond League, taking place at the Stade Sebastien Charlety in the early hours of Saturday (1:12 AM IST).
This marks Chopra's return to the Paris Diamond League since his fifth-place finish in 2017, where he threw 84.67m as a junior world champion. Eight years later, the competition is fiercer, and the stakes are significantly higher. The Paris event is the eighth leg of the 2025 Diamond League circuit, culminating in a two-day finale in Zurich this August.
Chopra kicked off his 2025 season with a victory at the Potch Invitational in South Africa, achieving a throw of 84.52m. However, he made headlines in Doha by surpassing the elusive 90m mark for the first time with an impressive throw of 90.23m, setting a new national record for India.
Despite his remarkable performance, he was narrowly beaten by Germany’s Julian Weber, who recorded a personal best of 91.06m. The rivalry continued a week later at Poland’s Janusz Kusocinski Memorial, where Weber again outperformed Chopra, throwing 86.12m compared to Chopra’s 84.14m in challenging wet conditions.
The Paris event promises to be equally demanding, as Chopra will once again face Weber, igniting what is becoming one of the most thrilling rivalries in athletics.
Also competing are some of the top javelin throwers, including Anderson Peters from Grenada, a two-time world champion and bronze medallist from the Paris 2024 Olympics with a personal best of 93.07m; Keshorn Walcott from Trinidad and Tobago, who won gold in the 2012 Olympics; Julius Yego from Kenya; Andrian Mardare from Moldova; and Luiz Maurício da Silva from Brazil.
With five of the seven competitors boasting personal bests over 90m, the competition will be intense. However, with his skill, fitness, and experience, India’s leading track and field athlete is eager to transform his strong performances into a win—one that could set the stage for the remainder of his season, including the highly anticipated Diamond League Final.
When: Saturday, June 21 at 1:12 AM IST
Where: Stade Sebastien Charlety, Paris
Where to watch: The official YouTube channel of the Wanda Diamond League. Note that there will be no live TV broadcast in the country.
Point of View
It's essential to highlight Neeraj Chopra's relentless pursuit of excellence. His journey embodies the spirit of Indian athletics, and we stand behind him as he confronts fierce competitors at the Paris Diamond League. The nation is rooting for him to transform challenges into triumphs.
NationPress
20/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Paris Diamond League event?
The Paris Diamond League event will take place on Saturday, June 21, at 1:12 AM IST.
Where can I watch the Paris Diamond League?
You can watch the Paris Diamond League on the official YouTube channel of the Wanda Diamond League, as there will be no live TV broadcast.
Who are the main competitors Neeraj Chopra will face?
Neeraj Chopra will face notable competitors including Julian Weber, Anderson Peters, Keshorn Walcott, and Julius Yego, among others.
What is Neeraj Chopra's personal best throw?
Neeraj Chopra's personal best throw is 90.23m, which he achieved in Doha this season.
What is the significance of the Paris Diamond League for Neeraj Chopra?
The Paris Diamond League is crucial for Neeraj Chopra as it presents an opportunity to secure a victory and build momentum for the rest of the 2025 season.
