Paris 2024 Olympics: What is Neeraj Chopra's season best in javelin throw?
Neeraj Chopra, one of India's biggest medal hopes at the Paris 2024 Olympics, recorded a season-best throw of 89.34 meters during his initial attempt in the qualification round (Group B) of the men's javelin event. This throw, the second-best of his career, ensured his advancement to the finals. Moreover, it also placed him at the top of the qualification rankings for both Groups A and B.
He began his Paris Olympics 2024 journey with a spectacular performance on August 6. All he needed was one throw to secure his spot in the javelin final, marking an exceptional start to his campaign. Competing in Group B of the qualifying rounds, Chopra set the bar high with a tremendous throw of 89.34 meters. He comfortably surpassed the automatic qualification mark of 84 meters. This performance made any additional attempts unnecessary, as he had already clinched an automatic qualification courtesy of his very first throw.
Neeraj Chopra is scheduled to compete in the final of the men's javelin throw event on August 8 at the Stade de France, where he will be keen to retain his Olympic gold medal. The event will begin at 11:55 PM IST, and Chopra’s performance will be closely watched as the nation hopes for him to bring home the gold medal once again.
Chopra’s season-best throw of 89.34 meters in the qualification round comes as a huge positive. While there were concerns about his form and fitness ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics, this season's best throw should put all speculations to rest.
It displays the fact that the reigning Olympic champion is not only in good shape but also in all readiness to defend his title. That said, the final will be a true test of his ability nonetheless. It will be interesting to see if he can maintain his dominance against some of the world’s best javelin throwers.
Neeraj Chopra's road to Paris 2024 Olympics final
Neeraj Chopra has been fairly consistent in his path to the Paris 2024 Olympics. Since winning India’s first-ever track and field gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics with a throw of 87.58 meters, Chopra has continued to pile on the success. He has claimed titles at the World Championships and the Asian Championships, reinforcing his position as the best in the business.
The competition will be intense, with several athletes capable of exceeding the 90-meter mark, which is a benchmark of elite performance in javelin.
However, Neeraj Chopra’s season-best throw of 89.34 meters at the Paris Olympics 2024 positions him as a top contender for the gold medal. His performance in the qualifiers has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting final.