Neeraj Chopra, India’s greatest athlete, is confronting sporting mortality, trying hard to keep the fire burning. Indian fans won’t like this, but the fact is that at 28, and with waves of young challengers coming through, Chopra is unlikely to regain the glory of his heyday.

Last night, in the final of the men’s javelin gold medal contest at the Commonwealth Games, Chopra’s second throw was a very good 85.83 metres, on yet another cold, breezy night at the Scotstoun Stadium. With it, Chopra jumped right to the top of the standings with his season’s best throw.