Twitter erupts as Neeraj Chopra comes agonisingly close with sensational last throw at Doha Diamond League 2024
(Courtesy :ย Getty Images)
Neeraj Chopra finished second, narrowly missing out on the top spot.
Olympic javelin champion Neeraj Chopra started his 2024 season with a second-place finish at the Diamond League meet in Doha on Friday. The Indian star finished a mere two centimeters behind Czech Republicโs Jakub Vadlejch, who won with a throw of 88.38m.
Chopra opened with a foul before recording 84.93m in his second attempt. The 25-year-old found his rhythm in the third round, unleashing an 86.24m throw to take the lead momentarily. However, Vadlejch responded with his winning 88.38m effort in the same round.
Despite improving to 86.18m and 82.28m over the next two rounds, Chopra remained in second position heading into the final round. With just the top three throwers remaining, the Indian saved his best for last, uncorking an 88.36m missile to surpass his previous best of the competition.
Former world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada took third place with 86.62m.
Indiaโs other entrant, Kishore Kumar Jena, failed to impress, recording a best of 76.31m to finish ninth. The Odisha native will look to regain his 2023 form at the upcoming Federation Cup in his home state on May 15, where Chopra is also slated to compete on home soil for the first time since his Tokyo Olympics triumph.
Twitter was abuzz with praise for Chopraโs gritty performance, with fans lauding his ability to raise his game in the decisive final round. Many also highlighted the thrilling competition between Chopra and Vadlejch, foreshadowing an epic rivalry as the duo builds towards the Paris Olympics.
Trending Indian Sports articles
- Top 10 most followed sports in India in 2024
- Can Bajrang Punia, Ravi Dahiya still qualify for Paris Olympics 2024?
- Can Indian boxers still qualify for Paris Olympics 2024 after disappointment at 1st World boxing Qualifiers?
- What are the qualification marks of all Track & Field events for Paris Olympics 2024?
- List of Indian athletes to have secured qualification for Paris Olympics 2024
Take a look at some reactions!
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram
- Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2024: Muktar Edris, Eilish McColgan lead field
- World Athletics announce list of nominees for field athlete of the year award
- Kenya's Ruth Chepngetich sets new world record at Chicago Marathon
- Neeraj Chopra's top five throws in 2024 season
- Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2024: Olympic champion Valarie Allman of USA named as international event ambassador
- Neeraj Chopra's top five throws in 2024 season
- Neeraj Chopra parts ways with coach Klaus Bartonietz
- Indian Sports Calendar October 2024: Women's T20 World Cup, World Championships, FIFA Friendlies, PKL and more
- Top five best performers at Indian Open U23 Athletics Championships 2024
- Athletics: Indian national record holders in each track and field event