 "Neeraj Chopra will eye a winning start to the Diamond League 2025 in Doha. Image: Reuters")
Indian athletics star Neeraj Chopra will launch his 2025 campaign today (16 May, Friday) at the Qatar Sports Club in Doha. The former Olympic gold medallist will be taking part in the Doha leg of the Diamond League against a strong field.
The Doha Diamond League, however, will not include reigning Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan. This also means there will be no Neeraj Chopra vs Arshad Nadeem show at the Doha Diamond League.
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Neeraj was asked about his friendship with Arshad in the pre-event press conference and the two-time Olympic medallist said the equation will change after the latest India-Pakistan conflict following the Pahalgam terror attack.
“First, we were never really close friends or anything. And things won’t be the same after this (India-Pakistan conflict). But, if someone talks to me respectfully, I will reciprocate the respect,” Chopra said .
Nonetheless, Neeraj’s focus will not be on Arshad but on winning the Doha Diamond League. Here’s all you need to know about his participation and that of the other Indians.
Who else will compete against Neeraj Chopra at Doha Diamond League?
Besides Neeraj, the men’s javelin event includes the following top athletes:
Anderson Peters of Grenada: Two-time world champion and 2024 Olympics bronze-winner
Jakub Vadlejch of Czechia: Winner of 2024 Doha Diamond League
Julian Weber of Germany
Max Dehning of Germany
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Roderick Genki Dean of Japan.
Are there other Indians competing at the Doha Diamond League?
Yes. Besides, Neeraj, two other Indians will be in action.
Gulveer Singh will be making his Diamond League debut in the men’s 5000m race.
Parul Chaudhary will compete in the women’s 3000m steeplechase event.
India’s schedule at the Doha Diamond League 2025 (All timings in IST)
| Event | Indian athletes | Start time |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s javelin throw | Neeraj Chopra, Kishore Jena | 10:13 PM |
| Men’s 5000m | Gulveer Singh | 10:15 PM |
| Women’s 3000m steeplechase | Parul Chaudhary | 11:14 PM |
Where to watch Neeraj Chopra’s event and the Doha Diamond League 2025 live in India?
The Doha Diamond League 2025 will be live-streamed in India on the Wanda Diamond League YouTube channel and Facebook page. There’s no TV broadcast.