Javelin king Neeraj Chopra fell two centimeters shy of first spot finish in Doha Diamond League - Watch Video

Javelin king and Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra fell two centimeters shy of bagging the first-spot finish at the Doha Diamond League 2024 on Friday (May 10). While Czech star Jakub Vadlejch stood first (88.38m) in a close tie, India’s Chopra came second with his best throw of 88.36m. Known for quick starts, Chopra failed to begin the way he would have wanted but vows to deliver his best at the Paris Games 2024 starting July 26.

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Just 2 centimetres short... 🫣#DohaDL | #NeerajChoprapic.twitter.com/vk76pvtTPm — Olympic Khel (@OlympicKhel) May 10, 2024

India’s only Diamond League champion, Neeraj, began the competition with a foul start in his first attempt. Although his second improved throw of 86.24m brought him back in the game. Neeraj’s follow-through and release were enough to tell that he was far from his best.

His next 86.18m throw, supposed to be a winner in any other competition, was still far from Jakub’s best.

However, with everyone done with their attempts, leaving Neeraj with his final throw, the Indian star pushed his limits, throwing a brilliant-yet-so-close throw of 88.36m to finish second behind Jakub.

‘Work hard and aim for glory’

Neeraj’s top-class finish might have brought smiles to everyone’s face despite coming agonisingly close to the first-place finish, helooked slightly disappointed with his outing in Doha, knowing he could have done better.

Speaking to the media after the event, Neeraj acknowledged the importance of the Doha Diamond League, saying he will work hard to do better and finish first the next time. Besides, he also shared his thoughts on the upcoming Olympic Summer Games in Paris, saying that’s the most important event of the year to him, where he will defend his gold medal.

“The most important competition for me this year is the Paris Olympics,” Neeraj said.

“But Diamond League meetings are important too. Next time, I will try to throw far and try to win. The support I am getting from the Indian people here in Qatar is always amazing; there aren’t enough words for me to thank them for their support,” he added.

Meanwhile, Neeraj shared a warm moment with Anderson Peters, who stood third, as all three exchanged smiles, knowing they had geared up well in the lead-up to the Paris Games, where they all are gold medal contenders.