India’s golden boy of athletics, Neeraj Chopra, delivered a sensational performance at the Paris leg of the 2025 Diamond League, seizing first place in the men’s javelin throw with a commanding effort of 88.16 meters. The Olympic champion’s throw, launched on his very first attempt, proved unassailable throughout the competition, earning him his first major international victory of the season and reaffirming his dominance on the global stage.
The event, held at the Charlety Stadium, saw Chopra face off against a strong field, including his arch-rival Julian Weber of Germany. Weber, who had bested Chopra in the previous two Diamond League meets in Doha and Poland, came close with a best throw of 87.88 meters. However, he was unable to surpass the Indian star’s explosive opener.
Chopra’s series began with the winning 88.16m throw, followed by a solid 85.10m in his second attempt. Despite fouling his next three throws, he remained unshaken. In his final attempt, he registered 82.89m, a mark that, while not his best of the day, underscored his consistency and composure under pressure.
Brazil’s Mauricio Luiz da Silva surprised many by securing third place with a personal best of 86.62 meters, while Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott finished fourth with 81.66 meters. The rest of the field, including former world champion Anderson Peters and Kenya’s Julius Yego, failed to breach the 81-meter mark.
This victory is particularly significant for Chopra, who had started his 2025 campaign with a gold at the Potch Invitational in South Africa but had to settle for second place in both Doha and Poland. His 90.23m throw in Doha, a personal best, was overshadowed by Weber’s 91.06m effort. The win in Paris not only breaks Weber’s recent winning streak but also boosts Chopra’s confidence ahead of the upcoming World Championships.
Speaking after the event, Chopra expressed satisfaction with his performance. “It feels great to be back on top. The competition was tough, but I knew I had to give it everything from the start,” he said. “This win gives me momentum for the rest of the season.”
With this triumph, Chopra now levels with Weber in the Diamond League points table, setting the stage for an exciting rivalry as the season progresses. He is next scheduled to compete at the Golden Spike meet in Ostrava, Czechia, on June 24, followed by the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru on July 5.
As the javelin world watches closely, one thing is clear: Neeraj Chopra is far from done rewriting history.