New Delhi: Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra secured qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games despite finishing fourth at the Doha Diamond League on Friday.
Competing in his first major event of the season after an injury-enforced delay, the Olympic and world champion recorded a best throw of 85.69 metres. The effort came in his third attempt and ultimately earned him fourth place in a highly competitive field.
The event was won by rising Sri Lankan star Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, who produced a winning throw of 88.68m to strengthen his position as one of the season’s leading performers. Grenadian thrower Anderson Peters finished second with 86.38m, while American athlete Curtis Thompson claimed third place with a best effort of 85.99m.
Although Chopra narrowly missed out on a podium finish, his performance comfortably surpassed the Athletics Federation of India’s qualifying standard of 82.61m for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The result confirms Chopra’s place in India’s athletics contingent for the Games, which will be held in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, 2026. He has already been included in the 32-member Indian squad announced for the event.
For Chopra, the competition marked an encouraging return after injury concerns disrupted the start of his campaign. While he fell short of challenging for the title in Doha, crossing the Commonwealth Games qualification mark and producing a strong season-opening performance provides a positive platform for the remainder of the year.
The focus will now shift to upcoming international competitions as Chopra looks to build momentum and return to his peak form ahead of a packed athletics calendar.
