'India is elated and proud': PM Modi, Indian Army hail Neeraj Chopra for breaching 90m mark

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Neeraj Chopra for his “relentless dedication, discipline and passion” as the 27-year-old star athlete breached the 90m barrier for the first time in javelin throw on Friday. Neeraj, a two-time Olympic medallist, registered his first-ever 90m throw in his third attempt at the Doha Diamond League.

The Tokyo Games champion registered a 90.23m throw to become the 25th athlete overall to cross the 90m mark. He, however, finished in the second spot as Germany’s Julian Weber also crossed the milestone for the first time, registering a 91.06m throw.

PM Modi, Indian Army praise Neeraj’s efforts

Nonetheless, Neeraj’s latest feat is testament to his continuous efforts to improve and develop his game as he targets the 2025 World Championship in September in Tokyo.

PM Modi hailed Neeraj for his “spectacular feat” and said India is “elated and proud” at his latest achievement.

“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,” PM Modi wrote on X.

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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 pic.twitter.com/n33Zw4ZfIt

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 17, 2025

The Indian Army, which recently gave a befitting reply to Pakistan after the ghastly Pahalgam terror attack, also hailed its Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Neeraj.

“A Histroric Throw by #NeerajChopra, A Proud Moment for #India! Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary) Neeraj Chopra clinches Silver at the Wanda Diamond League in #Doha with a record-breaking throw of 90.23m, surpassing his own National Record and breaching the 90m mark for the first time. A champion in uniform!” the army’s post read.

A Histroric Throw by #NeerajChopra, A Proud Moment for #India!

Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary) Neeraj Chopra clinches Silver at the Wanda Diamond League in #Doha with a record-breaking throw of 90.23m, surpassing his own National Record and breaching the 90m mark for the first… pic.twitter.com/GErNZUwA9A

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 17, 2025

Neeraj was been conferred with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel by the Indian Army on 14 May. Chopra had joined the army in 2016 as a junior commissioned officer.

Here are some other reactions from Indian politicians:

90.23m 🔥

A historic moment for India as Lieutenant Colonel Neeraj Chopra breaches the 90m mark with a career best throw at Doha #DiamondLeague! 🚀🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/Ugxif0cu18

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) May 16, 2025

Historic Feat ! 🇮🇳

Heartiest congratulations to our javelin star Neeraj Chopra for breaching the 90m barrier for the very first time with a throw of 90.23m, securing 2nd place at the Doha Diamond League, 2025. pic.twitter.com/pU55TpFb5g

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) May 17, 2025

Congratulations to Neeraj Chopra for breaching the 90m mark with an incredible 90.23m throw at the Doha #DiamondLeague.

Your dedication and excellence continue to inspire a billion dreams. Bharat is proud of you, champion! @Neeraj_chopra1 pic.twitter.com/1yz42xH69s

— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) May 16, 2025

With a new national record of 90.23m throw, Neeraj broke his previous best of 89.94m, which was set at the 2022 Stockholm Diamond League.