New Delhi, September 6 (HS). Two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra has confirmed his place in the Diamond League final by finishing in the top six. This prestigious two-day competition will be held in Brussels on 13 and 14 September.
The six javelin throwers who have automatically qualified are Paris Games bronze medallist Anderson Peters, Julian Weber, Jakub Vadlejch, Neeraj Chopra, Adrian Mardare and Roderick Jenke Dean.
Neeraj Chopra, with seven points and having finished second in the Lausanne leg, is now tied for third in the Diamond League standings with Weber, both on 15 points. Peters has moved to the top with 21 points while Czech Republic's Jakub Vadlejch, who finished seventh with a throw of 82.03m, is second with 16 points.
Neeraj registered a throw of 89.49m in his final attempt in Lausanne, just ahead of his Paris Olympics best of 89.45m. His effort put him second behind Grenada's Anderson Peters, who topped the list with a 90.61m throw.
After the Paris Olympics, Neeraj Chopra hinted at undergoing surgery to fix a persistent adductor muscle problem. Although he did not return to India after the Paris Games, heading straight to Switzerland, Chopra was asked how long he would compete this season. “Maybe two or one competition and then the season is over. I am not sure, maybe Brussels (Diamond League finale),” the world champion said.
He mentioned that his top priority for the upcoming year is to get fully fit. “First goal, go to the doctor and get my back 100 percent fit and also I will get technically better and try to throw far again,” he said.
This season, Neeraj participated in the Doha Diamond League, Federation Cup (in India), Paavo Nurmi Games, Paris Olympics and Lausanne Diamond League.