India's star javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, is once again poised to make his nation proud on the international stage. Late Friday night, he will compete in the Paris Diamond League 2025, aiming to secure the title in this prestigious competition.
Paris Diamond League 2025: India's "Golden Boy" and javelin star, Neeraj Chopra, is set to showcase his exceptional talent on the international stage once more. This time, the stage is the Paris Diamond League 2025, marking his return after eight years. Neeraj's sights are set not only on the title but also on the long-awaited 90-meter throw. Furthermore, he aims to settle the score with Germany's Julian Weber after two recent defeats.
When and Where to Watch?
Neeraj Chopra's competition will begin at 1:15 AM IST on June 21st. Live television coverage will not be available in India, but fans can watch the live stream for free on the official Wanda Diamond League YouTube channel. This clash will be a high-voltage encounter among the world's leading javelin throwers, where every throw will tell a story – of records, rivalry, and confidence.
The 90-Meter Club Challenge
A total of eight athletes will participate in the men's javelin throw event at the Paris Diamond League 2025, with five belonging to the 90-meter club. These athletes include Julian Weber, Peters Anderson, Julius Yego, Kesorn Walcott, and Neeraj Chopra himself. Neeraj has thrown up to 89.94 meters, but surpassing the 90-meter mark remains an unfulfilled dream. There is hope this dream will be realized in Paris.
Learning from Past Defeats, Time for Reckoning
Neeraj Chopra has recently suffered two defeats against Julian Weber. The first was at the Doha Diamond League 2025, where Weber threw 91.06 meters, placing Neeraj second with 90.23 meters. The second defeat came at the Janusz Kusocinski Memorial in Poland, where Chopra trailed with an 84.14-meter throw. Weber's consistent b performance has heightened the challenge for Neeraj. However, the Indian champion has a proven ability to bounce back.
Neeraj Chopra last competed in the Paris Diamond League in 2017, finishing fifth as a junior world champion. Now, eight years later, he returns as an Olympic champion, world champion, and Diamond League winner. His fitness, form, and focus are all at their peak.
Athletes to Watch
- Besides Neeraj and Weber, several other names could challenge for the podium:
- Peters Anderson (Grenada): Achieved a throw exceeding 90 meters in 2022.
- Julius Yego (Kenya): 2015 World Champion, with a throw of 92.72 meters.
- Kesorn Walcott (Trinidad and Tobago): 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist.
Luiz Mauricio da Silva (Brazil), Adrian Mardare (Moldova), and Remy Rouget (France) are also other talented participants. Neeraj Chopra's focus is not just on winning a medal but also on taking his throwing ability to new heights. He has repeatedly stated that the 90-meter mark is a mental goal for him, viewing it as inspiration rather than pressure.
