Neeraj Chopra has reclaimed the world No. 1 ranking in men’s javelin throw, overtaking Grenada’s Anderson Peters in the latest World Athletics rankings released on June 27, 2025. With a tally of 1,445 points, Chopra has solidified his position at the top after a series of stellar performances throughout the 2025 season.
Peters, now second with 1,431 points, is followed by Germany’s Julian Weber and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem. This milestone comes just days before the much-anticipated NC Classic in Bengaluru, where Chopra will compete alongside other international stars.
Officials from the Athletics Federation of India and World Athletics have lauded Chopra’s achievement, calling it a “historic moment for Indian sport.”
A Season of Consistency, Records, and Inspiration
Neeraj Chopra’s 2025 season has been marked by remarkable consistency and several career milestones. He began the year with a commanding win at the Potchefstroom Invitational in South Africa, followed by a historic throw of 90.23m at the Doha Diamond League making him the first Indian to break the 90-metre barrier.
Chopra continued his run with a silver at the Janusz Kusocinski Memorial in Poland and a gold at the Paris Diamond League, where he threw 88.16m. Most recently, he clinched victory at the Ostrava Golden Spike meet with a best throw of 85.29m, outpacing a world-class field that included Anderson Peters.
“Neeraj’s return to No. 1 is a testament to his dedication and the growing stature of Indian athletics on the world stage,” said Adille Sumariwalla, President of the Athletics Federation of India.
World Athletics also congratulated Chopra, stating, “His journey is an inspiration to athletes everywhere.” Chopra himself remains focused, saying, “Each competition is a new challenge. I want to keep pushing my limits and inspire the next generation.”
Rivalries, Challenges, and the Road Ahead
Chopra’s resurgence is particularly significant given the intense competition and the setbacks he faced post-Paris Olympics, where he battled a persistent groin injury but still managed to secure a silver medal.
After briefly losing the No. 1 ranking to Peters in late 2024, Chopra’s comeback in 2025 has been defined by head-to-head victories over Peters at major meets and by his technical improvements under coach Jan Železný.
The rivalry with Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who is yet to compete against Chopra this season, continues to capture the imagination of athletics fans across South Asia. The upcoming NC Classic in Bengaluru, an event initiated by Chopra to promote javelin throw in India, is expected to be a landmark moment, drawing top talent and further raising the sport’s profile nationally.
Looking ahead, the athletics world is eagerly awaiting the World Championships in September, where Chopra will face both Peters and Nadeem in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Neeraj Chopra’s ascent back to the top is not just a personal triumph but a beacon of hope and pride for millions of Indians. His journey exemplifies the values of perseverance, humility, and unity qualities that resonate deeply within our diverse society.
Chopra’s commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting athletics reflects a vision for an inclusive and harmonious sporting culture. His achievements remind us that with determination and support, Indian athletes can shine on the world stage. As we celebrate Chopra’s historic milestone, let us ask ourselves: How can we, as a nation, create more opportunities and a nurturing environment for our sporting heroes to thrive?
