Neeraj Chopra to Begin Title Defence Against Strong Field

Tokyo — Neeraj Chopra launches his World Athletics Championships title defence with the qualification round on Wednesday, facing a stacked javelin field that includes Olympic and Diamond League champions. Hindustan Times+3The Tribune+3NDTV Sports+3

The reigning world champion, who claimed gold at the 2023 Budapest Championships, will look to become just the third male javelin thrower to successfully defend a world title.

A blockbuster field

Chopra’s qualification group includes several big names. While Pakistan’s Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem and Germany’s Julian Weber headline Group B, Chopra will compete in Group A alongside Cuba’s 2012 Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott, Czech veteran Jakub Vadlejch, and India’s Sachin Yadav. 

Although Chopra and Nadeem are in separate qualifying pools, a showdown is expected if both make it to the final round on Thursday

Indian contingent hopes high

This year marks a historic moment for Indian javelin — Chopra is joined by Sachin Yadav, Rohit Yadav, and Yashvir Singh, making it four Indians in the throw event, the most the country has ever fielded at the World Championships.

All three have recorded personal bests this year, increasing the odds that multiple Indians could progress to the final. 

Form and expectations

Chopra’s season has seen highs — including a 90.23m throw at the Doha Diamond League — but also some inconsistency.  Meanwhile, Julian Weber enters in strong form, with multiple 90m+ throws this year and the Diamond League title to his name. 

For Chopra, safely clearing the automatic qualification mark of 84.50m will be the initial goal, with the ultimate aim of defending his world title and chasing consecutive global podium finishes.