India’s Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra began his 2025 Diamond League season on a high note in Paris with a commanding opening throw of 88.16 metres. Although he wasn’t entirely satisfied with his technique, the first attempt was enough to secure a win over a competitive field, including Germany’s Julian Weber. While his throw didn’t match his career-best from Doha earlier this year, Neeraj’s performance reasserted his position as a top contender ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo.
A strong start seals the deal
At the Stade Charléty in Paris, Neeraj Chopra’s very first attempt set the tone for the evening. The 88.16m throw instantly placed him in the lead and remained unbeaten throughout the competition. Although Julian Weber stayed consistent, his top effort of 87.88m in the first round fell just short. Neeraj, on the other hand, fouled three of his six attempts and didn’t cross the 88m mark again, revealing that he still wasn’t fully happy with his form.
“My run-up was really fast today, and I couldn’t control it well. I’m happy with the result, but I wanted better throws,” Neeraj Chopra said, reflecting on his performance.
The packed Paris crowd saw flashes of Neeraj’s brilliance, but he remains his own biggest critic. Despite the win, he pointed out technical issues, especially his tendency to lean left at the moment of release, which he says affects the direction and power of his throws.
Targeting consistency and bigger goals
The Paris meet marked Neeraj Chopra’s first Diamond League win of the season, following his historic 90m throw in Doha where he had finished second. His personal milestone in Doha remains a motivator, and the athlete now aims to replicate or surpass it in upcoming events.
“I need to throw to the front, use my chest better, and improve timing. Also need more core strength,” he said with a smile, emphasizing ongoing improvements.
Among the competitors, Brazil’s Luiz Mauricio da Silva impressed by breaking the South American record again with a huge 86.62m throw, finishing third. Meanwhile, other top athletes struggled. Two-time world champion Anderson Peters recorded a modest 80.29m and came in fifth.
Neeraj Chopra now shifts his focus to recovery and preparation. With back-to-back events lined up, including Ostrava on June 24 and the NC Classic in Bengaluru on July 5, he is targeting consistency and injury-free performances leading to the Tokyo World Championships later this year.
“The 90m mark is my next goal again. Now that I’ve broken it, I believe more is possible. But everything depends on the weather, my body, and execution on the day,” Neeraj Chopra said.
His determination and introspection after a win reflect the mindset of a champion who continues to raise the bar for Indian athletics on the global stage.
