Neeraj Chopra ready for Doha League.
Neeraj Chopra stated in Doha before the Diamond League men’s javelin throw curtain-raiser, “(Earlier) I had some problems in my groin.” I didn’t miss a single (throwing) session this time. I am therefore quite confident.
Neeraj Chopra stated that only one thing mattered as he alternated between projecting charm and displaying diplomacy. He elicited laughter as he sheepishly recounted his awkwardness on ad-shoot sets and skillfully handled the Arshad Nadeem bouncer thrown at him. This was because he was fully fit for the first time in months.
Before the Diamond League men’s javelin throw curtain-raiser in Doha, Chopra remarked, “(Earlier) I had some problems in my groin.” I didn’t miss a single (throwing) session this time. I am therefore quite confident.
It is necessary to go back nine months to comprehend how significant this—not missing a throwing session—is for Chopra. He was worried that his ongoing groin ailment might prevent him from using his entire range of motion immediately following his silver medal win at the August Olympics in Paris. Throwing from the entire runway has not been possible for me. Athletes will be limited to 40–50 throws in a single session. Who knows, I might have one session with you in two or three weeks. I’m afraid of getting hurt,” Chopra had whispered in agony.
On Thursday, the eve of his first big tournament of the year, Chopra’s forehead was clear of wrinkles and injury-free. “I feel fantastic. The most recent throwing sessions were excellent. “I am prepared,” he declared. “I can’t wait to start my season in Doha.”
The fact that Friday would officially usher in a new collaboration and be the Indian’s first competition with current world record holder and javelin icon Jan Zelezny as his coach added to the excitement.
Naturally, the more important question is whether Zelezny can assist Chopra in improving his consistency, as the Indian hasn’t placed outside the top two at any event since the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Chopra still faces a significant obstacle, even though he was spared the inquiry on Thursday regarding surpassing the 90-meter barrier, which Zelezny did for fun when he was playing. This is especially true given that Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem still has the appearance of someone who can throw the javelin far into his 90s.
Chopra and Nadeem might not meet before the September World Championships. However, it will be consoling for reigning champion Chopra to have already broken the sacred threshold.
Despite his injuries, Chopra has maintained that he has a “big throw” in him. Additionally, it appears that Zelezny has already affected the injury front off the field. Although Chopra hasn’t mentioned the two explicitly, he visited Prague earlier this year and sought treatment from a physician, Zelezny suggested to treat his groin problem. Additionally, the Czech has been working to strengthen Chopra’s already formidable mental toughness.
Throwers competing in the Doha Diamond League (SB when appropriate)
World No. 1 Anderson Peters (PB: 93.07m, SB: 74.90m) World No. 2 Neeraj Chopra (PB: 89.94m, SB: 84.52m) World No. 3 Julian Weber (PB: 89.54m) World No. 4 Jakub Vadlejch (PB: 90.88m) World No. 5 Julius Yego (PB: 92.72m) World No. 6 Keshorn Walcott (PB: 90.16m) World No. 7 Genki Dean (PB: 84.28m) World No. 23 Max Dehning (PB: 90.20m, SB: 79.61m) World No. 53 Kishore Jena (PB: 87.54m; SB: 77.82m) Read More: Four sustainable transport strategies for 2025
