Neeraj Chopra Eyes 90m Mark After Paris Win, Stresses on Staying Consistent

Neeraj Chopra Ends Diamond League Drought in Paris, Eyes More 90m Throws with Focus on Consistency.

Olympic and World Championship medallist Neeraj Chopra underlined the importance of consistency as he returned to the top of the Diamond League podium for the first time in nearly two years, winning the men’s javelin event in Paris on Friday night.

The 27-year-old Indian star clinched victory with a stellar first-round throw of 88.16m, holding off German rival Julian Weber (87.88m) in a high-quality field that featured five members of the elite 90-metre club. Brazil’s Luiz Mauricio da Silva placed third with 86.62m.

Chopra, who last won a Diamond League title in Lausanne in June 2023, followed his winning opener with 85.10m, before recording three fouls and finishing with a final-round 82.89m.

Despite a few technical issues during the event, Chopra expressed satisfaction with his rhythm and the early momentum he built in the competition.

“I was really happy with the start — my run-up technique was perfect,” Chopra said. “However, my body was drifting to the left, and I was trying to go with the javelin using my chest, which affected the throws. Still, I’m very happy with the 88m mark and to win again after such a long time.”

A Full Circle in Paris
Friday’s triumph carried special emotional weight for Chopra, who made his Diamond League debut in Paris back in 2017 — finishing fifth with 84.67m. “After seven or eight years, I’m happy to win here,” he said. “Consistency is the biggest key for me. At big events like the Olympics or World Championships, you have to win under pressure.”

The reigning Olympic champion has thrown over 90m this season — notching 90.23m in Doha last month — but lost that contest to Weber, who launched a final-round throw of 91.06m. Chopra also finished second to Weber again in Poland at the Janusz Kusocinski Memorial on May 23.

‘Zelezny’s Energy and Insight Have Helped’
Chopra credited his coach, javelin legend Jan Zelezny, for helping refine his technique. The three-time Olympic gold medallist has emphasized shorter, quicker steps during the crossover phase of the throw, contrasting with the longer strides often suggested by others.

“There’s something about Zelezny’s presence — his energy and knowledge lift you. He told me I can use shorter steps if I maintain speed. That really suits me,” Chopra said. “It’s a small change but has helped me a lot.”

Building for Bigger Tests
The Paris win was Chopra’s first major triumph of the 2025 season, which he had opened with a title at a minor invitational in Potchefstroom, South Africa, where he threw 84.52m.

With his eyes now firmly on defending his Olympic title in the same city later this summer, Chopra says more 90m throws will come — but for him, steady, high-level performances remain the bigger priority.

“I’m competing against the world’s best throwers. The focus is on delivering strong, consistent throws — and the big ones will follow,” he added.