Neeraj Chopra Claims First Title of 2025 with Paris Diamond League Win
Indian javelin superstar Neeraj Chopra secured his first major title of the 2025 season, claiming victory at the Paris Diamond League on Friday night. While the much-anticipated 90-metre throw remained elusive, Chopra’s powerful opening effort of 88.16 metres proved sufficient to hold off a strong challenge from his German rival, Julian Weber, and clinch his fifth career Diamond League crown.
An Explosive Start Sets the Tone
Competing in a Diamond League event in Paris for the first time in eight years, Chopra made his intentions clear from the outset. He unleashed a massive 88.16-metre throw with his very first attempt, immediately setting a high benchmark for the rest of the field. This initial throw ultimately stood as the winning mark of the competition, demonstrating Chopra's ability to perform under pressure from the very beginning.
A Tense Duel with a Familiar Rival
The victory was particularly sweet as it came against Germany's Julian Weber, who had bested Chopra in their two previous encounters this season in Doha and Poland. Weber remained a consistent threat throughout the evening, launching a best throw of 86.20 metres, but he was unable to surpass the formidable distance set by the Indian champion. The competition evolved into a tense duel between the two, with the crowd anticipating a dramatic finish reminiscent of their past battles.
Overcoming Challenges for the Win
After his strong start, Chopra struggled to find his rhythm, committing a series of three consecutive foul throws. As weather conditions at the venue deteriorated and the temperature dropped, the entire field found it challenging to produce big throws. Despite these difficulties, Chopra’s initial mark proved unassailable. He concluded his night with a final valid throw of 82.89 metres, enough to secure the top spot on the podium. Brazil's Mauricio Luiz da Silva finished third, rounding out the top three.
This victory in Paris marks a significant return to winning form for Chopra. He will now turn his attention to the Golden Spike athletics meet in Ostrava on June 24, followed by the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic on July 4, where he will compete with a prestigious new title under his belt.
