Despite win, Neeraj Chopra unhappy with performance at Ostrava Golden Spike 2025

An 85.29m throw was enough for Neeraj Chopra to bag the title in Ostrava.

Neeraj Chopra continued his excellent run of form by winning the men’s javelin event at the Ostrava Golden Spike 2025 meet in Czechia, on Tuesday, June 24. Chopra, fresh from his win at the Paris Diamond League last week, threw a distance of 85.29m in his third attempt to clinch the title in Ostrava—his first at the event.

The two-time Olympic medallist, who broke into the 90m club in men’s javelin earlier this year in Doha, was, however, unsatisfied with his performance despite the win. Chopra, who started and finished with foul throws, said he was happy with the trophy but not with his performance.

“I am not that happy with my performance today, but I am very happy with the trophy I won,” said the 27-year-old after the event in Ostrava. He registered throws of 83.45m, 82.17m, and 81.01m in his other three legal attempts.

Chopra also spoke about watching his current coach, Jan Zelezny, and the legendary Usain Bolt compete in the event during his childhood.

“I used to watch this meeting a lot as a kid. I watched people like Jan Zelezny and Usain Bolt winning the Golden Spike, and I dreamt of winning one as well. Now the dream has come true,” he added.

The two-time Olympic medalist was all praise of the support he received from the crowd and the energy level they brought in. However, Chopra wasn’t happy with his performance and felt he could have put up a better show in his coach’s home venue.

“I know the javelin throw is very popular in Czechia. The amount of support we were getting from the crowd was crazy. I just wish I could have performed better for them,” he concluded by saying.

Also Read: Neeraj Chopra Next Event: When will Indian javelin thrower be in action?

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Douw Smit bagged the second spot in the Czechia with a personal-best throw of 84.12m, while Anderson Peters completed the podium with an 83.63m effort.

So far in 2025, Chopra has competed in five events. He began his season on April 16 at the Potch Invitational Meet in South Africa, followed by the Doha Diamond League on May 16.

Neeraj was also in action at the Janusz Kusocinski Memorial Athletics Meet on May 23 and the Paris Diamond League on June 20 before taking field at Ostrava Golden Spike on June 24.

The Indian athlete will next be seen in action at the Neeraj Chopra Classic at Sree Kanteerava Sadium in Bengaluru on July 5.

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