Neeraj Chopra’s 88.77m Spearhead Lands Him in World Championship Finals and Paris Olympics

India’s Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra has once again etched his name in athletics history, qualifying for the finals of the World Athletics Championships 2023 in Budapest with a season-best throw of 88.77 meters. The feat also secures his spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics, surpassing the qualification mark of 85.50 meters.

 

Key highlights:

 

- Chopra’s first attempt in Group A was enough to seal automatic qualification, topping the group and finishing third overall in the qualifiers.

- His throw was the longest of the day and marked a confident return after recovering from an adductor strain earlier this season.

- The 25-year-old’s performance also marked his best throw of the year, improving on his previous 88.67m at the Doha Diamond League.

 

Indian trio makes history:

- DP Manu joined Chopra in the finals with a solid 81.31m throw, placing sixth overall.

- Kishore Jena, overcoming last-minute visa hurdles, qualified with an 80.55m throw, ranking ninth.

- This marks the first time three Indian javelin throwers have reached the finals of a World Athletics Championship.

 

Global competition:

- Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, returning from elbow surgery, qualified with 86.79m.

- Czech Republic’s Jakub Vadlejch also crossed the automatic mark with 83.50m, setting up a high-stakes final.

 

Chopra’s effortless launch and celebratory gesture to the crowd signaled not just qualification, but intent. With the finals set for Sunday, India’s hopes for a gold medal rest on its golden arm.

 

Sources: ESPN India, Indian Express, News18, Adda247, Sporting News.