 "Neeraj Chopra is the current World javelin champion. Image: Reuters")
Neeraj Chopra has begun his preparation for defending his world javelin crown with an impressive performance at the Potch Invitational Track Event in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Former Olympic gold medal winner Neeraj won the six-man javelin competition at the Potch Invitational Track Event with a best throw of 84.52 meters on Wednesday.
Neeraj took his fans by surprise with the unannounced outing in South Africa. The two-time Olympic medallist was expected to start his 2025 season with the Doha Diamond League on 16 May. However, there are many reasons for the 27-year-old to feel good about a strong start to the 2025 season.
Neeraj Chopra makes strong start to 2025 season
Besides Neeraj, South Africa’s Douw Smit was the only athlete to cross the 80-meter mark in the men’s javelin event. And while Neeraj has a personal best of 89.94 meters, the Haryana athlete will be satisfied with how the season has begun.
In the videos doing the rounds on social media, Neeraj could be seen gliding on the track without any issues and his throw also appeared to be well executed. The groin injury that troubled him during the Paris Olympics also seemed sorted.
As this is the start of the season, Neeraj is now expected to increase his distance with more competition.
Neeraj will next take part in the Doha Diamond League on 16 May. He will then be in India for the Neeraj Chopra Classic (NC Classic) , which will take place on 24 May at the Tau Devi Lal Athletics Stadium in Panchkula.
The Neeraj Chopra Classic is expected to include some of the best athletes in the world, as it also serves as a qualification event for the World Championships.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsNeeraj scripted history by winning the gold at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest with a throw of 88.17 meters. The 2025 World Championships will take place in September in Tokyo.
After winning a silver at the Paris Olympics 2024, Neeraj will be hoping to defend his gold at the World Athletics Championships.