Two-time Olympic medalist and India's star javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, is once again set to showcase his skills on the international stage. His next stop is the Paris Diamond League, scheduled for June 20, 2025.
Paris Diamond League: Neeraj Chopra, who has brought immense pride to India in the Olympics and World Championships, is ready to compete in the Paris Diamond League 2025. In this prestigious tournament, scheduled for June 20th, Neeraj will be seen throwing the javelin on Parisian soil after almost eight years. The last time he competed here, he was a rising junior athlete; now, he's among the world's best javelin throwers, aiming for the top spot.
2017's Return: Then and Now
Neeraj last participated in the Paris Diamond League in 2017, as a junior world champion. He secured fifth place with a throw of 84.67 meters. Since then, Neeraj's journey has been a source of inspiration. Following Olympic gold (2021), World Championship gold (2023), and consistent successes in the Asian Games, Neeraj is now considered a favorite in any competition.
Neeraj began 2025 with an 84.52-meter throw in a minor competition in Potchefstroom, South Africa, where he won the title. He then competed in the Doha Diamond League, achieving a remarkable 90.23-meter throw – a significant effort surpassing the magical 90-meter mark. However, despite this stellar performance, he had to settle for second place as Germany's Julian Weber won with a 91.06-meter throw.
Neeraj also secured second place at the Janusz Kusociński Memorial in Poland with an 84.14-meter throw. After finishing second in two consecutive competitions, his sights are now set on a victorious return in Paris.
Tough Competition from Rivals
The Paris Diamond League promises an exciting contest, with Neeraj facing athletes like Grenada's Anderson Peters, who has already surpassed 90 meters. Peters finished third behind Neeraj in both Doha and Poland. While the organizers haven't released the complete entry list yet, it's certain that the competition will witness world-class performances. This is another opportunity for Neeraj to demonstrate that he is not just an Olympic champion but the best on any stage.
Four days after the Paris Diamond League, on June 24th, Neeraj will participate in the Ostrava Golden Spike 2025 in the Czech Republic. Following this, he will compete in the Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru on July 5th, where he will act as both a competitor and host. This is the first time an international athletics event named after him is being held in India.
Neeraj's Statement
In a statement before participating in the Paris Diamond League, Neeraj said: "The last time I came to Paris, my career was just beginning. This time, my goal is not just to participate but to win. I am constantly working on my technique and hope to prove myself this time." Will Neeraj throw beyond 90 meters again? Will he return to winning form in Paris after two consecutive second-place finishes?
