Neeraj Chopra needed just one throw to sail into the final. It was one of intent and throwing down the gauntlet. A season’s best of 89.34m in his first attempt saw the 26-year-old reigning Olympic and world champion comfortably top the qualification for the August 8 final javelin at the Paris Olympics. This is the second straight Olympics that Chopra has topped the qualification round. Chopra’s personal best stands at 89.94m, which also happens to be the national record.

Chopra’s Commanding Performance

Neeraj Chopra displayed his dominance early on, requiring only a single throw to qualify for the final. His impressive 89.34m throw, a season’s best, positioned him as the top contender. This achievement underscores his consistent excellence, marking the second consecutive Olympics where he has led the qualification round. Chopra’s personal best and the national record stand at 89.94m, highlighting his elite status in the sport.

Disappointment for Kishore Jena

The other Indian in the fray, Asian Games silver medallist from Odisha, Kishore Jena, couldn’t make the 12-man final. Jena’s best attempt stood at 80.73m, falling short of the 84.00m qualification standard. Despite his efforts, he couldn’t secure a spot among the top 12 performers needed for the final.

High-Quality Competition

The qualification round was among the most competitive, with five of the 12 finalists achieving their season’s best throws. Neeraj’s Czech rival, Jakub Vadlejch, with a personal best of 90.88m, secured his place with a throw of 85.63m. Germany’s Julian Weber, another of Chopra’s rivals, logged an 87.76m attempt. Pakistan’s Nadeem Arshad, placed in Group B alongside Neeraj, also managed automatic qualification with a season’s best throw of 86.59m.

Chopra’s Extraordinary Mindset

Neeraj Chopra’s ability to peak at crucial moments sets him apart. Reflecting on his performance, Chopra said, “The mindset and situation of a qualification and final are completely different. You have to just focus on the fact that you’ve had a good start and now you put in your best preparation towards the final.”

Chopra emphasized his strategy to secure a strong first throw, “My goal was to qualify with a good throw in the qualification and attempt to do it in one throw itself.” Despite occasional challenges, his confidence is boosted by his successful qualification. “It was in fact my best throw in a qualification round. You gain a lot of confidence and motivation.”

Overcoming Physical Challenges

Chopra mentioned his adductor issue, which had caused him to pull out of the Ostrava Golden Spike meet in Czechia last month as a precaution. “The final is going to be in the evening session so it’s going to be colder. I try to keep it (adductor issue) in mind and warm up well. It’s better now.”

Friendship and Rivalry

Julian Weber, a friend and rival, spoke of their camaraderie. “We talked a lot. He’s calm, and in good shape. Yesterday (Monday) we were at the gym together. I always enjoy meeting him. He’s a good friend. We’re good guys, the javelin guys, we’re always travelling on the road together.”

Neeraj after making javelin final: Asli cheez abhi baaki hai

Chasing History

In Paris, Chopra is bidding to achieve what no Indian athlete has done before – win two successive Olympic gold medals. India currently has only three bronze medals from this edition of the Games, with the Olympics concluding in less than a week. Despite his excellent qualification round, Chopra remains focused, stating, “This was about getting into the final. Asli cheez abhi baaki hai.”

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