India’s javelin superstar, Neeraj Chopra, once again narrowly missed the top spot at the prestigious Diamond League final, finishing second for the second year in a row. Despite a powerful performance, Neeraj lost to Grenada’s Anderson Peters by a mere 1 centimeter. This result has left fans both proud and heartbroken, as they were hoping to see Neeraj end his season on a high note after his silver medal win at the Paris Olympics.
Neeraj Chopra’s Performance in the Diamond League Final
In Brussels, Neeraj Chopra took part in the Diamond League final alongside some of the world’s best javelin throwers. From the first throw, Neeraj showed his potential with a solid distance of 86.82 meters, securing second position early in the competition. His second and third throws were at 83.49 meters and 87.86 meters, respectively. Despite this impressive third throw, Neeraj couldn’t overtake Anderson Peters, who led with a throw of 87.87 meters—just 1 centimeter more than Neeraj.
In the following rounds, Neeraj struggled to find his best form. His fourth throw was his weakest of the competition, while his fifth throw of 83.30 meters kept him in second place. In the final round, Neeraj managed to reach 86.46 meters, but it wasn’t enough to secure the top spot.
Injury Continues to Affect Neeraj’s Performance
Neeraj Chopra has been battling a recurring injury this season, which has impacted his ability to perform at his peak. The star athlete has been struggling with back pain, particularly a nagging adductor issue that has slowed him down. His injury first surfaced in the 2024 season, and it hampered his performance during the Paris Olympics, where he secured a silver medal with a throw of 89.45 meters. Pakistan’s Nadeem clinched the gold.
Neeraj’s family has openly discussed the injury, acknowledging how it has affected his throws. Despite the pain, Neeraj has continued to compete at the highest level. Now that the season has ended, Neeraj is expected to undergo surgery to address the injury, which could be key to him returning stronger next year.
Prize Money and Neeraj’s Season Highlights
While Anderson Peters walked away with the coveted Diamond Trophy and a cash prize of US $30,000 (around Rs 25.16 lakh), Neeraj Chopra earned US $12,000 (approximately Rs 10.06 lakh) for his second-place finish. Peters also secured a wild card entry to the World Athletics Championship as part of his win.
Neeraj’s journey through the Diamond League was filled with ups and downs. In the final, alongside six other competitors, Neeraj showed consistent strength but narrowly missed the top prize. His best throw of 87.86 meters kept him close, but Peters maintained his lead throughout the competition.
This was the second consecutive time Neeraj finished as the runner-up in the Diamond League final, having achieved the same result last year. Despite not clinching the top spot, Neeraj’s resilience and determination continue to inspire fans across India and beyond.
As the international athletics season concludes, all eyes will be on Neeraj Chopra’s recovery, with hopes that the surgery will help him overcome his injury and return to his best form in the upcoming years.
