The defending world champion needed just one attempt in the qualification round to breach the automatic qualification mark of 84.50m, launching the javelin to a distance of 84.85m, comfortably sealing his spot in Thursday’s final
Neeraj Chopra (Pic: AFP)
India's Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra effortlessly secured his place in the final of the men’s javelin throw at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The defending world champion needed just one attempt in the qualification round to breach the automatic qualification mark of 84.50m, launching the javelin to a distance of 84.85m, comfortably sealing his spot in Thursday’s final.
India’s hopes in the event are further bolstered by the participation of three more athletes. Sachin Yadav will compete in Group A, while Rohit Yadav and Yashvir Singh are set to feature in Group B.
For the first time ever, India will field four athletes in the men’s javelin event, marking the largest representation from any nation. Javelin qualification groups are as follows:
- Group A: Neeraj Chopra, Sachin Yadav, Julian Weber, Jakub Vadlejch, Sumeda Ranasinghe, and others
- Group B: Arshad Nadeem, Rumesh Pathirage, Anderson Peters, Julius Yego, Rohit Yadav, Yashvir Singh, and others
It may be noted that Chopra Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem did not face each other during the qualification round of the men’s javelin throw at the World Athletics Championships, as both athletes were placed in separate groups. However, the much-anticipated showdown between the two could now take place only if Nadeem clears the qualification stage and progresses to the final on Thursday.
Chopra's exploits at a glance
Chopra, a two-time Olympic medallist, aims to become only the third athlete in history to defend a world javelin title, a feat previously achieved by legends Jan Železný (1993, 1995) and Grenada’s Anderson Peters (2019, 2022). Chopra clinched gold at last year’s World Championships in Budapest with a throw of 88.17m, narrowly edging out Nadeem, who threw 87.82m, and Jakub Vadlejch, who recorded 86.67m.
The men’s javelin competition this year promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Alongside Chopra and Nadeem, the field boasts impressive talent, including Julian Weber, who has consistently surpassed the 90-meter mark this season, as well as seasoned veterans Keshorn Walcott, Anderson Peters, Julius Yego, and Jakub Vadlejch. Brazil’s Luiz da Silva, another athlete with a personal best over 90 meters, adds further depth to the star-studded lineup.
The men’s javelin throw final is scheduled for Thursday, with proceedings set to begin at 3:53 PM IST.
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