PM Modi congratulates Neeraj Chopra on breaching 90m mark in Doha Diamond League

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra for breaching the elusive 90m mark during the Doha Diamond League 2025 on Friday (May 16). Taking to his X handle on social media, Modi posted a morale-boosting message for Neeraj, writing that India is elated and proud of his efforts.

“A spectacular feat! Congratulations to Neeraj Chopra for breaching the 90 m mark at Doha Diamond League 2025 and achieving his personal best throw. This is the outcome of his relentless dedication, discipline and passion. India is elated and proud. @Neeraj_chopra1,” Indian PM Modi’s message for Chopra.

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For the first time in his professional career, Neeraj breached the 90m mark in javelin throw, creating history for himself and India, and becoming the 25th man in this event history to achieve this feat.

The two-time Olympic medallist began the competition with his first throw of 88.44m. While his second throw was invalid, he achieved his personal-best (PB) throw of 90.23m in this third attempt, looking elated following taking the shot. Neeraj was visibly satisfied with his throw, celebrating in his Neeraj style.

Chopra, however, continued with an 80.56m throw in this fourth attempt before sending his third-best throw of the evening in his final attempt on 88.20m; his fifth throw, however, was not valid.

Although he and Germany's Julian Weber broke their PB records with 90m-plus throws in this event, Neeraj stood second; Weber with a 91.06m throw stood at the top. Grenadian javelin thrower Anderson Peters settled for the third spot with a throw of 85.64m.

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Meanwhile, on the past Wednesday (May 14), the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, conferred Neeraj Chopra with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army, recognising his mighty contributions to Indian sports and helping bring glory to India on the international stage.

The ceremony, however, took place in a formal setting, reflecting the prestige associated with the honorary military title.
Besides, with his title, Chopra has joined an elite list of distinguished sports stars from the country, including former cricket World Cup-winning captains MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev, who previously were honoured with similar honorary ranks in the armed forces.