Neeraj Chopra vows to push himself further in upcoming competitions

Neeraj Chopra began his Diamond League title defense with a win in the first leg but the Olympic champion javelin thrower said he will push himself further in the upcoming events this season.

Chopra, who clinched the 2022 Diamond League Final trophy last year, beat a star-studded field in Qatar to win the season-opening first round with a personal best throw of 88.67m. Play Friday Night Club.

Chopra said, “It was a very tough win, but I’m happy, it’s a really good start for me.”

“This season I will be fit and consistent and I will try to do my best in the next competitions. I plan to stay fit and do more than I can.”

Chopra will feature in the World Athletics Continental Tour gold level meet, Ostrava Golden Spike event in Czech Republic on June 27.

Chopra’s current training base is in Antalya, Türkiye.

“I hope to come first in the next competitions and maintain consistency during this season,” said the Indian superstar.

Chopra’s best throw came on his first attempt, his fourth best. The Olympic champion had ample support as her compatriots came to cheer her on.

“A lot of people came to support me and they are really happy. Sometimes it is really difficult because we have a big country and people have expectations, and now more athletes from my country join me in the Diamond League and other participate in competitions.

“I’m lucky that people have faith in me, I feel really good. This Doha meeting is fantastic, first meeting every year.”

Despite a quality field that included world champion Andersen Peters of Grenada and Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic, the throws were significantly lower than last year when Peters and Wadlejch both sent the javelin beyond 90 metres.

Chopra also acknowledged Doha’s reputation for throwing over 90m during Thursday’s pre-event press conference.

But on Friday, strong wind made it challenging for Bhala to cover such a distance.

“It was challenging for all the athletes, but I am still satisfied with my result. Very good atmosphere. Today was challenging, next time I will throw more,” said Chopra.

Peters, who had won the event here last year with a monster throw of 93.07m, finished third with a modest best throw of 85.88m.

“The wind was a bit gusty, I was hoping we’d get a tailwind. It was a good competition because the top players are here,” Peters said.

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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)