“Ready for the season ahead,”: Neeraj Chopra reacts after season-opening return in Doha
India javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra delivered a prolific performance at the Doha Diamond League, after which he expressed his satisfaction on X. The veteran secured his spot in the upcoming Commonwealth Games with a throw of 85. 69m in his first appearance of the 2026 season.Chopra shared a video on
By Toi Sports Desk
India javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra delivered a prolific performance at the Doha Diamond League, after which he expressed his satisfaction on X.
The veteran secured his spot in the upcoming Commonwealth Games with a throw of 85. 69m in his first appearance of the 2026 season.Chopra shared a video on X.
He wrote, “happy to be back on the field. 85. 69m felt good, and ready for the season ahead!”The Olympic gold medallist made his first appearance in eight months after recovering from a back injury.
The injury resulted in a lengthy setback since the end of last season.
Although the Indian athlete missed out on a podium finish by a narrow margin, the outing provided encouraging signs as he returned to the international circuit.Chopra's first throw was ruled a foul, but he quickly regained momentum and found his rhythm in a field packed with top-class performers.
He registered a throw of 85. 69m in the third round, which helped him comfortably secure his place in the Commonwealth Games.The Olympic gold medallist's best effort was followed by an 83. 45m throw in the fourth round, after which his performances declined.
He eventually committed another foul in his fifth attempt.
With his subsequent efforts falling short, his hopes of a podium finish slipped away, and he ultimately concluded the event in fourth place.WatchHis foul in the fifth attempt dented his chances of making the final three-athlete shootout, as he failed to advance.Sri Lanka's Rumesh Pathirage emerged victorious with a throw of 88. 68m, while Grenada's Anderson Peters secured second place with 88. 68m.
American Curtis Thompson finished third with a throw of 85. 99m, edging out Chopra by 30 centimetres.Doha holds great significance in Chopra's career.
The Indian athlete crossed the prestigious 90-metre mark for the first time at this venue, cementing his place among the sport's elite competitors.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates.
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