Neeraj Chopra After Paris Win: More 90m Throws Ahead, But Consistency Matters Most

Neeraj Chopra Ends Diamond League Title Drought in Paris, Eyes More 90m Throws.

Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra returned to winning ways in the Diamond League after nearly two years, clinching the Paris leg on Friday night with a first-round throw of 88.16m. The victory marked his first Diamond League title since Lausanne 2023 and his maiden win in Paris — the same city where he made his Diamond League debut in 2017.

Facing a world-class field that included five members of the elite 90m club, the 27-year-old Indian javelin ace edged past German rival Julian Weber (87.88m) and Brazil’s Luiz Mauricio da Silva (86.62m) to top the podium.

Chopra opened strongly, but his follow-up attempts (85.10m, three fouls, and 82.89m) didn’t improve his mark. Yet, he was satisfied with his performance.

“The first throw was really good — my run-up was smooth and rhythm was great. I was drifting left a bit and forcing my chest through the throw, which broke my technique. But I’m happy with 88m and the win,” he said after the event.

Back Where It Began
Chopra’s win in Paris held special significance as it came at the same venue where he had debuted in the Diamond League circuit eight years ago. “Coming back here and winning means a lot. For me, consistency is the key — especially under pressure in big events,” he said.

Chopra, who breached the 90m mark earlier this season with a 90.23m effort in Doha, reiterated that big throws will come with time. “More than just chasing 90m, I focus on maintaining consistency across events,” he added.

Guided by a Legend
The Olympic and World Championship medallist also credited Czech legend and coach Jan Zelezny for recent improvements in his form. “Zelezny brings a positive energy. He’s helped fine-tune my crossover technique by recommending shorter but faster steps, which suit my style better,” Chopra noted.

Earlier this season, Chopra had finished second to Weber in both Doha and the Kusocinski Memorial in Poland. He began his 2025 campaign with a modest win in South Africa (84.52m), but the Paris title marks a major step forward in his Olympic buildup.

“Competing against the best always pushes me. I’m focused, confident, and excited for what lies ahead,” said Chopra, who will return to Paris in just over a month to defend his Olympic crown.