Neeraj Chopra Claims Silver Medal at Doha Diamond League, Misses Gold by 2 Centimeters
Neeraj Chopra Clinches Silver Medal in Doha Diamond League
Neeraj Chopra secured a silver medal in the Doha Diamond League. He narrowly missed defending his title, throwing a best of 88.36 meters after six rounds, surpassing his previous attempt. Jacob Wadle of Czech Republic led the standings with an 88.38-meter throw in the third attempt.
The Doha Diamond League was held at Qatar’s Sports Club, and Neeraj kickstarted his season from Doha. In the previous season, he had clinched a gold medal in Doha. India’s other javelin thrower, Kishor, ranked ninth among the top 10 athletes. In his third attempt, he threw his best at 76.31 meters.
Niiraj’s First Throw Was a Foul
Niiraj Chopra’s first throw was a foul. In his subsequent attempts, he gradually improved his performance. In the second attempt, he threw 84.93 meters, followed by 86.24 meters in the third attempt, and 86.18 meters in the fourth. His fifth attempt measured 82.28 meters, but it was his final attempt, where he excelled, throwing a long 88.36 meters.
The gold medalist, Jakub Vadlejch, faced fouls in his fifth and sixth attempts. His first attempt measured 85.87 meters, followed by 86.93 meters in the second, 88.38 meters in the third, and 84.04 meters in the fourth. It was his third attempt where he achieved the farthest throw, surpassing Niiraj’s best throw.
Peters Anderson Placed Third
Grenada’s Peters Anderson secured the third position, followed by Finland’s Helander Oliver in fourth and Moldova’s Andriyan Medreac in fifth. Anderson’s best throw measured 86.62 meters, while Oliver achieved 83.99 meters, and Medreac reached 81.33 meters.
Anderson withdrew from the race after just three attempts.
The Indian teenager managed to secure only the 9th position after just three attempts, as she was unable to get her last three attempts. She threw 75.72 meters in her first attempt and 76.31 meters in her third. Her second attempt was a foul. Thompson Curtis from America held the 10th position.
Neeraj Won Gold in Doha Diamond League 2023
Neeraj began his 2023 season in Doha, where he won gold with a margin of 88.67 meters in the same event as the previous year. However, Czech Republic’s Jakub Vadlejch secured the second spot, missing the top position by just 0.04 meters. Vadlejch had defeated Neeraj in the final of the 2023 Eugene Diamond League as well. This time, Neeraj was defeated again by Vadlejch in Doha.
Neeraj expressed, “I don’t want to talk about the 90-meter throw,” during the press conference. “Last year, I said I would throw 90 meters. This year, I’m not demanding; I’m asking.”
Neeraj also became the first Indian athlete to win medals in both the Olympics and World Championships. He won gold in Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
India has been participating in the Olympics since 1900, but no Indian athlete had previously won a medal in track and field events. Neeraj’s achievement surpasses the performances of legendary athletes like Milkha Singh and PT Usha, who finished fourth in different Olympic events.
What is the Diamond League?
The Diamond League is an athletics (track and field) tournament that includes 16 athletics events (men’s and women’s). It is held annually in various cities around the world.
The Diamond League athletics series takes place between May and September each year, concluding with the Diamond League Finals. Typically, the Diamond League season consists of 14 competitions, but this number may vary.
In each event, points are awarded to the top 8 athletes, with the first-place athlete receiving 8 points and the eighth-place athlete receiving 1 point. After 13 events, all athletes’ points are tallied. Athletes in the top 10 positions earn a place in the Diamond League Finals. The winner receives the Diamond League winner’s trophy and a cash prize.
