India’s two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra finished second in the men’s javelin throw event at the Diamond League Final 2025 in Zurich on August 28. Chopra’s best throw of 85.01m in his final attempt secured him the runner-up position behind Germany’s Julian Weber, who won decisively with a season-best 91.51m.
Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago claimed third place with 84.95m. Despite a challenging night marked by three fouls and difficulty finding his rhythm, Chopra sustained his remarkable streak with 26 consecutive top-two finishes internationally, sending a strong message ahead of the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Challenging Night with a Strong Finish
Zurich’s Letzigrund Stadium witnessed a gripping javelin final where Neeraj Chopra demonstrated both vulnerability and resilience. Chopra opened the event with a solid throw of 84.35m but struggled afterwards, registering an 82m throw in his second attempt followed by three consecutive fouls, his toughest challenge of the evening. However, the Indian star pulled off an 85.01m throw in his final performance, just surpassing Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott by 6cm to claim second place.
Julian Weber dominated the field with two extraordinary throws over 91m, setting the tone early and himself recording the four best throws of the competition. Chopra candidly admitted his timing and run-up were off and described the day as “hard,” but expressed optimism with three weeks left until the World Championships to refine his technique.
The Season So Far and Preparations Ahead
Chopra’s Diamond League journey in 2025 has been marked by highs and ongoing technical refinement. Earlier in the season, Chopra achieved a personal best and national record of 90.23m in Doha, entering the elite 90-metre club which he had aspired to for years.
Despite managing an 88.16m win in Paris, Chopra has faced interruptions caused by injury management and tactics, skipping the Silesia and Brussels legs to focus on form and recovery. Central to Chopra’s progress is his mentorship under legendary javelin thrower Jan Zelezny, focusing on harnessing his run-up speed and perfecting his blocking technique to maximise distance.
With the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo approaching, Chopra is determined to reach and surpass his peak form, knowing that throws in the mid-80s will need to improve considerably to contend with top rivals, including Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem and Germany’s Julian Weber.
Neeraj Chopra’s illustrious career includes landmark achievements that have not only elevated his status but also transformed Indian athletics on the global stage. He is the first Indian to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field, achieving this feat with a throw of 87.58m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Chopra also holds the world junior javelin record of 86.48m that he set in 2016.
His personal best is 89.94m, set at the Stockholm Diamond League in 2022, which is the current Indian national record. Apart from his Olympic triumph, Chopra has won gold at the 2018 and 2023 Asian Games and captured the Diamond League title in 2022. His consistent podium finishes and groundbreaking successes have inspired millions and help cement his legacy as one of the greatest javelin throwers in history.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Neeraj Chopra’s journey is a testament to persistence, resilience, and the continuous quest for excellence. Even on a challenging day, Chopra’s ability to clinch a podium finish amidst fierce competition highlights his unwavering dedication and mental strength.
The Logical Indian recognises such stories as beacons of hope and inspiration, showcasing how determination can overcome adversity, whether in sports or life. His journey encourages society to foster empathy, embrace discipline, and unite through shared ambitions and mutual respect.
THIS 85.01M THROW BY NEERAJ CHOPRA! 🔥pic.twitter.com/kea72dasJe https://t.co/df7n9q3ngz
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) August 28, 2025
