Paris Olympics 2024: Neeraj Chopra qualifies for men's javelin throw final, Kishore Jena crashes out
Despite topping the qualifiers, the reigning Olympic Champion will have his task cut out, in what could be a competitive final.
India’s “Golden Boy,” Neeraj Chopra, topped the qualification charts, with a whopping throw of 89.34m to secure a spot in the men’s javelin throw final at Paris Olympics 2024. However, Asian Games silver medalist Kishore Kumar Jena had a disappointing outing, finishing 18th in the qualifiers and failing to make the final.
The entry standard for the final was 84m, with the athletes crossing the mark automatically securing a spot in the final. The best throws of the remaining athletes were compared, with the top 12 best performers advancing to the final.
Chopra, the reigning Olympic and world champion, had recently taken a precautionary break in order to prevent an injury to his adductor muscles, an issue which has troubled him before. On his return, he had won the Paavo Nurmi Games.
Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra silenced doubters with a commanding performance in the Olympic qualification round. Chopra’s first throw of 89.34m easily surpassed the qualifying standard, securing his spot in the final without needing additional attempts.
The qualification event saw fierce competition, with nine athletes surpassing the 84-meter mark. Germany’s Julian Weber set an early benchmark with 87.76m, while former world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada threw 88.63m.
Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem also impressed, qualifying fourth overall with 86.59m. Surprisingly, experienced competitors like Kenya’s Julius Yego and Brazil’s Luiz Mauricio da Silva finished fifth and sixth respectively.
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However, India’s other hope, Kishore Kumar Jena, failed to advance. Jena’s best throw of 80.73m placed him 18th overall, below the cutoff of 82.91m.
The final, scheduled for August 8th, promises to be highly competitive. Chopra, the defending Olympic champion, will face a strong field of challengers as he aims to secure another medal for India.
Despite his strong showing, Chopra will need to maintain his form against a field that includes several 85-meter-plus throwers. The qualification round has set the stage for what could be one of the most closely contested javelin finals in Olympic history
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