India’s reigning javelin star, Neeraj Chopra, made a statement at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo by qualifying for the men’s javelin final with just one throw. Competing at Tokyo’s National Stadium, Chopra didn’t waste time, his very first attempt registered a distance of 84.85 meters, just enough to clear the automatic qualification mark of 84.50 m.
Chopra demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure. As soon as he achieved the qualifying distance, he packed up, secure in the knowledge that he had done enough to advance. This was his only throw in the qualifying round, yet it was sufficient to guarantee him a place in the final.
The men’s javelin final is scheduled for Thursday, with action to begin at 3:53 PM IST. Chopra will aim not just to secure another medal, but to defend his title and join the elite group of javelin throwers who have held the world crown consecutively.
