India’s golden boy Neeraj Chopra made history yet again, but this time with a mix of joy and a bit of heartbreak. On Friday, at the Doha Diamond League 2025, Neeraj became the first Indian ever to cross the iconic 90-metre mark in javelin throw. But despite this incredible achievement, he ended the night in second place as Germany’s Julian Weber stunned everyone with a massive 91.06m throw in the final round.
All You Need to Know
- Neeraj Chopra threw 90.23m in his third attempt
- It is a new national record and his personal best
- He beat his earlier record of 89.94m from 2022
- Chopra is now the 25th man in history to cross 90m
- He finished second as Germany’s Julian Weber threw 91.06m in his last attempt
- Anderson Peters of Grenada finished third with 85.64m
- Kishore Jena, India’s other javelin star, came 8th with 78.60m
An Emotional Day for Neeraj Chopra
Neeraj started strong with an 88.44m throw in his first attempt, setting the tone for what was to come. After a foul in his second throw, he returned with a stunning 90.23m haul in the third round — a historic moment for Indian athletics. This throw broke his own national record and finally took him beyond the much-awaited 90m mark.
While fans and the nation celebrated the big milestone, Neeraj ended up being pushed to second place by Weber’s last throw. The final round drama took away the gold, but Neeraj still stood tall and proud.
Neeraj’s Reaction: Joy and Bittersweet Moments
Speaking after the event, Neeraj said, “It is a little bittersweet. I’m very happy to finally achieve 90m, but again I finished second — just like it happened in Stockholm and Turku before. I guess that’s how sport is.”
He also congratulated Julian Weber warmly, saying, “I’m happy for Julian. We both crossed 90m today, something we’ve been trying for years. This is a big boost and I believe there’s more to come in the next competitions.”
Coach Jan Železný’s Support Pays Off
Interestingly, Neeraj was supported at the venue by his coach Jan Železný — the legendary Czech thrower who holds the world record at 98.48m. “Coach doesn’t usually attend Diamond League events, but he told me today is the day for 90m. I feel very lucky and proud that it happened,” said Neeraj.
Under Železný’s guidance, Neeraj is aiming to go even further this season, with big hopes for Paris Olympics 2025 and upcoming meets.
Neeraj Among Asia’s Best Now
With this throw, Neeraj now ranks third in Asia’s all-time list. Only Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem (92.97m) and Chinese Taipei’s Chao-Tsun Cheng (91.36m) are ahead of him. It’s another proud chapter for Indian athletics.
Nation Celebrates Neeraj’s Record-Breaking Feat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Neeraj on social media platform X, saying:
“A spectacular feat! Congratulations to Neeraj Chopra for breaching the 90 m mark at Doha Diamond League 2025 and achieving his personal best throw. This is the outcome of his relentless dedication, discipline and passion. India is elated and proud.”
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also praised the golden moment:
“India’s golden star, Neeraj Chopra, has created history at the 2025 Doha Diamond League by breaking the 90-metre mark for the first time. This is not only an unprecedented achievement in his personal career but also a proud moment for the entire nation. I heartily congratulate ‘Golden Boy’ Neeraj Chopra for this historic success and wish him a bright future.”
Doha 2025: Final Standings in Men’s Javelin
- Julian Weber (Germany) – 91.06m
- Neeraj Chopra (India) – 90.23m
- Anderson Peters (Grenada) – 85.64m
- Keshorn Walcott (Trinidad & Tobago) – 84.65m
- Ahmed Hussein (Egypt) – 80.95m
- Oliver Helander (Finland) – 79.61m
- Jakub Vadlejch (Czech Republic) – 79.60m
- Kishore Jena (India) – 78.60m
- Julius Yego (KEN) – 78.52m
- Roderick Genki Dean (JPN) – 76.49m
- Max Dehning (GER) – 74.00m
Kishore Jena Also in Action
While the spotlight was on Neeraj, Kishore Jena also competed and managed a best throw of 78.60m. It was his second Diamond League appearance after his debut last year in Doha. Although he finished 8th, the Asian Games medalist is showing promise for the future.
Neeraj Chopra’s Doha performance might not have ended in gold, but his 90.23m throw has opened a new chapter for Indian athletics. Becoming the first Indian to breach the 90m barrier is no small feat. With the season just beginning and Paris Olympics around the corner, Neeraj’s powerful throws and humble attitude continue to inspire millions. All eyes are now on his next outing — will it be a new record again?
Also Read: Mitchell Starc Pulls Out of IPL 2025: Big Blow to Delhi Capitals Before Playoffs
FAQs
What was Neeraj Chopra’s throw at Doha Diamond League 2025?
He threw 90.23m, breaking his own national record.
Did Neeraj Chopra win gold in Doha 2025?
No, he finished second. Julian Weber of Germany won with a 91.06m throw.
Who is Neeraj Chopra’s coach?
His coach is Jan Železný, the world record holder in javelin.
Who holds the Asian record in javelin throw?
Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem holds the record with a 92.97m throw.
What is Kishore Jena’s performance in Doha 2025?
He finished 8th with a best throw of 78.60m.
