April 17, 2025: Two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra has begun his 2025 athletics season on a winning note, clinching the top spot at the Potch Invitational Meet held in Potchefstroom, South Africa. The javelin thrower delivered a modest yet solid throw of 84.52 meters, which was enough to secure victory at the iconic McArthur Stadium — the same venue where he had qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics nearly five years ago.
The 25-year-old Indian athlete triumphed over local competitors Douw Smit and Duncan Robertson, with Smit finishing second with a best throw of 82.44 meters. Neeraj’s performance was a standout in a six-man field, with the two athletes being the only ones to surpass the 80-meter mark.
While the throw was well below his personal best of 89.94 meters, set at the 2022 Stockholm Diamond League, it marked an important milestone in his preparation for the 2025 athletics season. Neeraj’s personal best and national record still stand at that mark, and his early-season victory in Potchefstroom is expected to serve as a stepping stone for his upcoming events.
Neeraj’s decision to open his season in South Africa was a deviation from his usual plan of starting with the Doha Diamond League. He has competed in the prestigious event for the past two seasons and is set to return to Doha for the 2025 edition on May 16. Following that, Neeraj will headline a World Athletics Continental Tour javelin throw event in India in May.
The Potchefstroom meet also had special significance as it was Neeraj’s first competitive outing with his new coach, legendary javelin thrower Jan Zelezny of Czechia, who is a three-time Olympic and world champion. The partnership is expected to further enhance Neeraj’s technique and performance as he prepares for key international events this season.
This year holds immense importance for Neeraj, especially with the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo’s National Stadium looming. Neeraj will be defending his World Championships gold medal, having won it at the 2023 event in Budapest. The Indian athlete will also be looking to bounce back from a silver finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem set an Olympic record to win the gold. Nadeem, who had to settle for silver at the 2023 World Championships, is likely to be a strong contender against Neeraj at the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo.
With the 2025 season officially underway, Neeraj’s consistent progress in training, coupled with his new coaching partnership, signals that the athlete is in prime condition to defend his global titles and continue to make history for India in javelin throwing.