Neeraj Chopra happy with perfect start to season after win in Doha Diamond League 2023

The 25-year-old also added that he is trying to stay fit and maintain consistency.

Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra has kickstarted the 2023 season on a bright note by winning the season opener Doha Diamond League 2023. The Haryana athlete registered a World Lead throw of 88.67m in his first throw which enabled him to secure the top spot and eight qualification points.

Chopra, who is the defending Diamond League champion, was happy with his perfect start in the Doha leg of the competition. “It was a very hard win, but I’m happy, it’s a really good start for me," he was quoted as saying by PTI after the event.

Chopra also added that he wants to continue with this rhythm in the upcoming competition. "This season I’ll stay fit and consistent and I’ll try to do my best in next competitions. I plan to stay fit and do more than I can."

According to the World Athletics, Neeraj Chopra will next participate in the Ostrava Golden Spike event in the Czech Republic, a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold level meet, on June 27. There are four Diamond League competitions scheduled until June 27 but none of them have Javelin throw scheduled.

Last year, the Indian superstar participated in only two Diamond League events (Stockholm - 2nd place and Lausanne - 1st place) securing 15 points and in the end, it was enough for him to take part in the Diamond League final.

"I hope to come in the first place in the next competitions and to keep consistency during this season," said Chopra, who will certainly hope to breach the 90m mark this year.

He was also happy with the crowd support and iterated, “Lot of people came to support me, and they are really happy. Sometimes it’s really hard because we have a big country and people have hopes, and now more athletes from my country join me in the Diamond League and other competitions. I’m lucky people have faith in me, I feel really good. This Doha meeting is great, the first one every year.”

The National Record holder started his training in London earlier this year and then made a shift to South Africa. He currently has his training base in Turkey and will look to extend his stay.