Despite mid-round no-marks, Neeraj Chopra’s thunderous 88.16m opening throw sealed his victory at the Paris Diamond League 2025, reaffirming his status as India’s top athletics icon.
India’s javelin superstar Neeraj Chopra stamped his authority yet again on the international athletics stage, clinching the Paris Diamond League 2025 title on Friday night with a mighty first-round throw of 88.16 metres. Though he registered three no-marks in the middle rounds, Chopra’s opening attempt was unmatched by the field and proved enough to secure a decisive win in a fiercely competitive final.
Chopra Sets the Benchmark Early
Launching the spear with confidence and precision, Chopra’s 88.16m throw in his very first attempt placed him firmly at the top of the leaderboard. Germany’s Julian Weber came closest with a commendable best of 87.88m, while Mauricio Luiz da Silva of Brazil settled for third with a strong 86.62m effort.
Second and Third Rounds Bring Little Change
In Round 2, Weber narrowed the gap slightly with an 86.20m throw, while Neeraj clocked 85.10m, keeping his lead intact. Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago also improved marginally to 81.66m. Round 3 witnessed Brazil’s Da Silva jump into contention with his top mark of 86.62m, securing the third position.
Weber’s Final Push Falls Short
Weber made spirited attempts in the fourth and fifth rounds, logging 83.13m and 84.50m, respectively, but couldn’t break Chopra’s opening mark. In the final round, Neeraj added a respectable 82.89m, reinforcing his consistency, while Weber and Da Silva wrapped up with 81.08m and 78.56m throws.
Consistency Notwithstanding, One Throw Was Enough
Even with three no-marks, Chopra’s commanding opener stood as a statement of elite athleticism. The victory adds yet another Diamond League trophy to his expanding collection and strengthens his momentum in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics.
Next Up: Neeraj Chopra Classic on July 5
The reigning world and Olympic champion will return to action at the inaugural edition of the Neeraj Chopra Classic, scheduled for July 5. The event, originally planned for May 24, was postponed due to escalating cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.