Chopra Continues Golden Run in Ostrava
Two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra added another gold medal to his collection, securing a comfortable victory on his debut at the Ostrava Golden Spike on Tuesday. Competing in the prestigious World Athletics Continental Tour event, Chopra dominated the nine-man field with a winning throw of 85.29m.
While the throw was short of his personal best, it was more than enough to secure the top spot. South Africa’s Douw Smith delivered a surprise personal best of 84.12m to claim the silver medal, while former world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada took bronze with 83.63m. Chopra showcased remarkable consistency throughout the competition, with all four of his legal throws sailing past the 80-meter mark.
Even in victory, Chopra’s ambition was evident. In what was largely a contest against his own high standards, he was visibly disappointed after his final attempt, suggesting he was aiming for a much greater distance. This drive for excellence was clear as he deliberately fouled a throw he felt was not up to his mark.
This win marks his second consecutive top finish on the circuit and serves as an excellent confidence builder. It comes just ahead of next month's inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic, India's first major international javelin competition, where he will be competing on home soil.