Paris: India’s Olympic and World Championship medalist Neeraj Chopra returned to winning ways on the global stage, securing his first Diamond League title in two years with a commanding performance in Paris. The 27-year-old javelin ace launched his best throw of the night — 88.16 metres — in the very first round, which was enough to outclass a field stacked with five 90m+ throwers, including fierce rival Julian Weber of Germany.
Weber, who had bested Chopra in recent outings including the Doha Diamond League and the Kusocinski Memorial in Poland, finished second with an effort of 87.88m. Brazil’s Luiz Mauricio da Silva clinched third with a throw of 86.62m.
Chopra, who started strong, followed up with 85.10m in his second attempt but fouled the next three throws. His final attempt measured 82.89m. Despite the inconsistencies, the early lead held up comfortably. “I am happy with my throw… My run-up was really fast today. I can’t control my speed, but I’m happy with the result and with the first position,” Chopra said after the event.
This marks Chopra’s first-ever win in the Paris leg of the Diamond League. He last competed here in 2017, finishing fifth as a junior world champion with a throw of 84.67m. His previous Diamond League victory came in Lausanne in June 2023, after which he had a string of second-place finishes in six meets.
With his eyes set on more glory, Chopra is set to compete next in Ostrava’s Golden Spike meet on June 24, followed by the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru on July 5, a prestigious World Athletics Category A event that he will also be hosting.
Chopra had earlier breached the 90m mark this season in Doha on May 16 with a throw of 90.23m, finishing behind Weber, who threw 91.06m in the final round. Reflecting on his aspirations, Chopra said, “I’m hoping for some more 90-metre throws because I broke that barrier in Doha. I believe I can do it again, but it depends on the weather, the conditions, and how the body feels.”
The Paris competition featured some big names, including Kenya’s Julius Yego (2015 world champion), Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott (2012 Olympic champion), and Grenada’s Anderson Peters (2022 world champion). However, none could rise to the occasion. Walcott managed 81.66m to finish fourth, Peters recorded 80.29m, and Yego trailed just behind at 80.26m.
Chopra began his 2025 season with a win at an invitational meet in Potchefstroom, South Africa, throwing 84.52m. Despite minor setbacks this year, his Paris triumph signals a strong comeback and sets the tone for what could be another historic season.
