India's Chopra hoped to breach 90m mark but happy with Diamond League trophy

09.09.2022 - 08:03 channelnewsasia.com

India's Olympic javelin champion Neeraj Chopra expected to breach the 90m mark at the Diamond League final in Zurich but said he was happy to win the trophy, becoming the first Indian to do so.Competing under overcast conditions at the Letzigrund Stadium on Thursday, Chopra took the gold medal with his best throw measuring 88.44m.

The 24-year-old pipped Olympic silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch to the title after the Czech's best attempt was 86.94m, while reigning European champion Julian Weber of Germany came third with a throw of 83.73m."It was a very good competition with Jakub Vadlejch today, he also threw very nice.

I expected 90m from me today. But it is OK, I have the Diamond (League) trophy and this was the most important thing for me," Chopra said in an interview."Also because my family is here. (For) the first time, they are at an international competition.

They came to see me as this is my last competition and we go for a holiday to Paris, so it will be good."The Diamond League trophy wrapped up a memorable season for Chopra, who also became the first Indian to win a silver at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene in July."I was injured after Eugene so I need some rest, two or three weeks and I (will) start some rehab and then some training for next year," he added.

athletics Neeraj Chopra Jakub Vadlejch Germany Czech Republic India Eugene

India's ace javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra just finished a great season. After winning a silver medal at the World Championships, he became the first Indian to win a Diamond League final with a best throw of 88.44m. The Olympic gold medallist is currently enjoying a break from the sport and is travelling in Switzerland. He has been posting several photos and videos of his trip on social media. Recently, he went for skydiving too. He posted a video of it with the captaion: "Sky is not the limit!"

Watch: For Neeraj Chopra, "Sky Is Not The Limit" As He Goes Skydiving In Switzerland

After Groin Injury, National Games Participation Looks Difficult For Neeraj Chopra

Indian Olympic Association's directive notwithstanding, champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra's participation in the upcoming National Games looks doubtful, as he is coming off a groin injury and a grueling season. Olympic gold medalist Chopra achieved yet another historic feat on Thursday when he became the first Indian to win the prestigious Diamond League Finals title in Zurich, signing off the international season on a rousing note. A day later, he was asked about competing in the National Games, which will be held across cities in Gujarat from September 29 to October 12.

Neeraj Chopra Becomes 1st Indian To Be Crowned Diamond League Champion

Neeraj Chopra on Friday was crowned Diamond League 2022 champion as he won the final in Zurich with a best throw of 88.44m. Chopra became the first Indian to win a Diamond League final. The Diamond League trophy adds to his historic gold medals in the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the Tokyo Olympics. Chopra managed to stave off a strong challenge from Tokyo 2020 silver medallist Jakub Vadlecjh, who registered a best throw of 86.94m.

Neeraj Chopra caps splendid season with coveted Diamond League finals trophy

On late Thursday night, five competitions after that Finland meet, Neeraj got another historic first when he launched his spear to dizzying heights of 88.44m at an overcast Letzigrund stadium in Zurich to become the first Indian-ever to win the Diamond League Trophy. It was his third appearance in the Finals. In the absence of double world champion Anderson Peters, who suffered injuries during an attack on a party boat in his home country Grenada, Johannes Vetter and Thomas Rohler – both sidelined by injuries – Neeraj put his competitors in the shade with a memorable performance worthy of an Olympic champion.

After Groin Injury, National Games Participation Looks Difficult For Neeraj Chopra