Neeraj Chopra, India’s javelin superstar and reigning Olympics champion, is gearing up for a tough test as he kicks off his season in the first leg of the Diamond League in Paris. The 26-year-old will face stiff competition from a star-studded field, including former world champion Anderson Peters and Olympics medallist Jakub Vadlejch.
Chopra, who holds the national record with a personal best of 89.94m, expressed confidence in his preparation, stating, “I will throw over 90m but consistency is more important.” The Asian Games silver medallist Kishore Jena will also make his Diamond League debut alongside Chopra.
The league will then head to Morocco on May 19, following which Chopra will return to India for the National Federation Cup in Bhubaneswar. Despite his busy schedule, Chopra remains focused on his training, acknowledging that his stardom sometimes interferes with his preparations.
“I want to focus on my game. I will train in India later,” Chopra said, highlighting his commitment to his sport in an Olympic year. The defending champion has already set the tone for a successful season with victories in previous Diamond League legs.
As Chopra continues to chase greatness on the international stage, fans eagerly await his performance in Paris and his return to compete on home soil after three years. With his sights set on Tokyo, Chopra’s dedication and determination are sure to inspire a new generation of athletes in India.