Neeraj Chopra shares feelings on India's double podium finish in men's javelin throw at CWG 2026
Neeraj Chopra won his second CWG medal in Glasgow.
India secured a historic double podium finish in the men’s javelin throw final at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland, on Friday, July 31.
Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra secured silver, and Yash Vir Singh clinched bronze, ensuring two Indian athletes on the podium at Scotstoun Stadium.
Neeraj, who came from a lengthy rehabilitation period after a lower-back injury, finished second with a season-best throw of 85.83m. Meanwhile, Yash Vir registered a personal-best throw of 85.41m with his final effort to clinch the bronze medal.
Speaking after the event, Neeraj expressed his happiness that two Indian javelin throwers secured medals at the Glasgow Games, praising Yash Vir’s performance against some of the world’s best athletes.
“It (double podium finish) brings back memories of the (Hangzhou) Asian Games, where (Kishore) Jena and I both won medals,” Neeraj said, as quoted by ANI. “I’m really happy that Yash Vir achieved a personal best at such a crucial moment. It feels great to be on the podium together. It’s always a joy to hear the national anthem play.”
Related: CWG 2026: India’s updated schedule for Day 9 (August 1)
The Gold Coast 2018 CWG gold medallist also spoke about the rise of Indian javelin throwers over the years, naming Yash Vir and Rohit Yadav, among others. Rohit, who also took part in the Glasgow Games final, finished seventh with a best throw of 81.56m.
“I am very happy. Even when I am dealing with injuries, it feels good to see other Indian javelin throwers performing well,” Neeraj told IANS. “Yash Vir (Singh) has crossed the 85m mark, Rohit (Yadav) threw 87m before coming here, and Sachin (Yadav) is also doing well.”
Friday’s final was Neeraj’s second appearance this year, having earlier competed at the Doha Diamond League. The Indian star, despite not yet being back to full fitness, performed admirably, registering a season-best effort. His arch-rival, Arshad Nadeem, managed a ninth-place finish.
The gold went to Sri Lanka’s 23-year-old sensation Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, who registered a monstrous 89.75m throw to win gold comfortably, with no other athlete able to catch him.
Related: CWG 2026: India’s medal tally after Day 8, 31st July
Neeraj Chopra’s Asian Games focus
With another Commonwealth Games medal added to his tally, Neeraj Chopra has shifted his focus to the upcoming Asian Games 2026, which will be held from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Neeraj is one of India’s strongest medal contenders at the event, having won two gold medals at the Jakarta/Palembang Games and the Hangzhou Games. The 28-year-old athlete assured that his focus remains on the upcoming tournament, adding that his “comeback is progressing well”.
“I will be training. There is no time to return home, so I will continue my preparations,” he said. “Once the Asian Games are over, I can head back.”
How did Neeraj Chopra perform at the Commonwealth Games 2026?
He won the silver medal in the men’s javelin throw final with a season‑best effort of 85.83m, his second CWG medal after Gold Coast 2018.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.