Buoyed by a strong start to the season, Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is all set to secure a Diamond League podium finish in his first appearance in four years at the prestigious one-day meet on Thursday (June 30). Chopra, 24, was second with a massive national record throw of 89.30m at the Pavo Nurmi Games in Turku, before winning her event at the Cuortane Games with an effort of 86.60m in treacherous conditions.
Finland had strong fields in both events, although the Turku line-up had more stars than Kuorten, where Chopra slipped after an awkward release of his javelin on his third attempt in slippery conditions due to rain. Luckily, he got on his feet immediately and won the competition without any injuries.
“We started training in December, so it was a little late. I needed to get fit again because after the Tokyo Games I had gained weight too,” Chopra said during a pre-event press conference. “I had gained 13kg-14kg, so the plan was to get fit again and so we started the season a little late.
Stockholm Diamond League
After his win at the Cuortaine Games, ‘Golden Boy’ Neeraj Chopra returns to his first DL since 2018!
Olly Wadledge and Wesley, WL Peters, Paavo Nurmi Helander and Webber make up the star-studded field!
A mouth watering battle awaits
10.50 pm, Voot pic.twitter.com/BvWmcACdIP— Sports Arena (@SportsArena1234) June 29, 2022
“Our main target this year is the World Championship and the Commonwealth Games as the Asian Games have been postponed,” he said.
This will happen Chopra’s first competition at the Diamond League Meet After finishing fourth in Zurich in August 2018 with an effort of 85.73m. He has participated in seven Diamond League meets – three in 2017 and four in 2018 – but has yet to win a medal. He finished two fourths, the second being in Doha in May 2018, where he threw 87.43m.
The prestigious one-day meet in the Swedish capital will be Chopra’s biggest competition ahead of the World Championships in Eugene, US, next month. He will also face the toughest field of the season so far along with all three medalists from the Tokyo Olympics.
match details
When will Neeraj Chopra’s javelin throw event take place in the Stockholm Diamond League 2022?
Neeraj Chopra’s javelin throw event in the Stockholm Diamond League 2022 will be held on Thursday (June 30).
Where will Neeraj Chopra’s javelin throw competition take place in Stockholm Diamond League 2022?
Neeraj Chopra’s javelin throw event in the Stockholm Diamond League 2022 will take place at the Bauhaus-Gallen in Stockholm, Sweden.
When will Neeraj Chopra’s javelin throw competition start in Stockholm Diamond League 2022?
Neeraj Chopra’s javelin throw program in the Stockholm Diamond League 2022 will start at 10.50 pm IST.
How can I watch Neeraj Chopra’s javelin throw schedule in Stockholm Diamond League 2022?
Neeraj Chopra’s javelin throw event in Stockholm Diamond League 2022 will be live on Sports18 1 SD and HD channels.
How can I follow live streaming of Neeraj Chopra’s javelin throw event in Stockholm Diamond League 2022?
Neeraj Chopra’s javelin throw event in the Stockholm Diamond League 2022 will be live streamed on the Voot website and app.