On May 16, 2025, India’s golden boy of athletics, Neeraj Chopra, etched his name deeper into the annals of sporting history at the Doha Diamond League. The two-time Olympic medalist and reigning world champion breached the elusive 90-meter mark in the men’s javelin throw with a stunning 90.23-meter effort, becoming the first Indian to achieve this monumental feat. Though he finished second to Germany’s Julian Weber, who clinched victory with a 91.06-meter throw, Chopra’s performance at the Qatar Sports Club sent waves of pride across India and the global athletics community.
A Milestone Moment for Indian Athletics
Competing in his season opener, Chopra started strong with a world-leading 88.44-meter throw on his first attempt, setting the tone for a thrilling evening. After a foul on his second attempt, the 27-year-old superstar unleashed a career-defining 90.23-meter throw in the third round, surpassing his previous national record of 89.94 meters set at the Stockholm Diamond League in 2022. This landmark effort made him the 25th athlete in history and the third Asian—joining Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem (92.97m) and Chinese Taipei’s Chao-Tsun Cheng (91.36m)—to cross the coveted 90-meter barrier.
The Suheim bin Hamad Stadium, known for producing massive javelin throws, proved to be the perfect stage for Chopra’s breakthrough. Despite his historic achievement, the competition remained fierce. Julian Weber, who had been steadily building momentum with throws of 85.57m, 89.06m, 88.05m, and 89.84m, delivered a jaw-dropping 91.06-meter throw in the final round, securing the top spot and his own first-ever 90m-plus effort. Grenada’s Anderson Peters took third place with a best throw of 85.64m, while India’s Kishore Jena finished eighth with a 78.60-meter effort.
A New Chapter Under Legendary Guidance
Chopra’s performance was particularly significant as it marked his first major competition under the guidance of legendary javelin thrower Jan Zelezny, the world record holder with a 98.48-meter throw set in 1996. Zelezny, who has been coaching Chopra since February 2025, predicted the 90m breakthrough, telling his protégé before the event, “Today is the day for 90m.” Reflecting on the milestone, Chopra said, “It’s a bittersweet result. I’m very happy for the 90m, but this second place—it’s happened to me before. I believe I can throw farther, and we will work on some aspects.” His calm demeanor, marked by a simple shake of the head after the 90.23m throw, reflected relief and determination rather than exuberance.
This achievement adds another feather to Chopra’s illustrious cap, which already includes an Olympic gold (Tokyo 2020), an Olympic silver (Paris 2024), a World Championship gold (2023), and a Diamond League title (2022). As the first Indian to win an individual Olympic gold in athletics, Chopra continues to redefine the sport’s landscape in India, inspiring a new generation of athletes.
A Night of Indian Pride
The Doha Diamond League wasn’t just about Chopra’s heroics. India’s Parul Chaudhary also made headlines, finishing sixth in the women’s 3000m steeplechase with a national record time of 9:13.39, earning her a spot in the 2025 World Championships. Gulveer Singh, competing in the men’s 5000m, finished ninth in his Diamond League debut with a time of 13:24.32. These performances underscored India’s growing presence on the global athletics stage.
Looking Ahead
Chopra’s 90.23m throw is not just a personal triumph but a continental milestone, placing him among the elite in a sport where the 90m mark is a gold standard. With Zelezny’s mentorship and a packed season ahead, including the Janusz Kusociński Memorial in Poland on May 23 and the Neeraj Chopra Classic in Panchkula, India, on May 24, the Indian superstar is already eyeing greater distances. “It’s just the beginning,” Chopra said, signaling his intent to push the boundaries further.
As Indian fans celebrate this historic moment, Chopra’s journey from a young athlete in Panipat to a global icon continues to captivate. His 90m breakthrough is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and a beacon of hope for Indian athletics on the world stage.
FAQs
- What is the significance of Neeraj Chopra’s 90m throw at the Doha Diamond League?
Neeraj Chopra’s 90.23-meter throw on May 16, 2025, marked the first time an Indian javelin thrower crossed the 90-meter barrier, a prestigious milestone in the sport. It made him the 25th athlete globally and the third Asian to achieve this feat, setting a new national record and cementing his status as one of the world’s elite javelin throwers. - Why did Neeraj Chopra finish second despite throwing over 90m?
Despite his historic 90.23-meter throw, Chopra was overtaken by Germany’s Julian Weber, who delivered a personal best of 91.06 meters in the final round. The Doha Diamond League’s competitive field and Weber’s dramatic last throw highlighted the intense rivalry in men’s javelin, with both athletes breaching the 90m mark for the first time in their careers.
