One and done!

Neeraj Chopra made a powerful statement in the qualification round of the men’s javelin event at the Paris Olympics. The defending Olympic champion launched an impressive throw of 89.34m, securing his spot in the final with a season-best performance. With this dominant display, Chopra topped his group and entered the final of the prestigious event at the Paris Games.

The last time Stade de France was packed with fans, Neeraj Chopra delivered a decisive throw to close out the group phase of the javelin event. Despite launching the second-longest throw of his career, the Haryana native held back his trademark celebration. His signature move, usually seen after his first throw, was notably absent at the Paris Games. Why? Because “Asli cheez baaki hai” (The real challenge is yet to come).

Neeraj Saving His Best for the Paris Final

Despite nearly hitting the 90m mark, defending Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra was content just to secure his throw so he could relax and stretch out. “A good throw boosts your confidence and motivation. But, hopefully, I’m saving my best for the final because that’s the real challenge. ‘Asli cheez baaki hai.’ It’s going to be a tough competition,” Neeraj remarked.

Meet the Challengers

Two-time world champion Anderson Peters secured second place overall with an 88.63m throw. Germany’s Julian Weber earned a direct entry with his 87.76m throw, while Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem joined Neeraj in the final with an 86.59m throw in Group B. Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch, who recorded an 85.63m throw, also stands as a strong contender. As Neeraj noted, a formidable challenge lies ahead as he aims for another historic victory in Paris.

Here’s all you need to know about mens’ javelin throw final at Paris Olympics 2024:

-Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem shattered the Olympic record with a 92.97m throw in 2nd attempt.

-Neeraj Chopra opened his account with a brilliant throw of 89.45 to take 2nd spot in second attempt.

-Neeraj Chopra started with a foul. He registers a no-throw in 1st attempt.

-Neeraj Chopra is the defending champion in the men’s javelin throw final at the Paris Games.

-Chopra fired a stunning throw of 89.34m in the qualification round.

-The Tokyo Games gold medallist topped the group standings with his season-best throw at the Paris Games 2024.

-Neeraj aims to emulate his idol Jan Zelezny by defending his javelin title at the Olympics.

-Zelezny also holds the world record (98.48) in men’s javelin.

-Neeraj earned his career-best throw (89.94m) in 2022.

-Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem won Commonwealth Games gold with 90.18m throw.

Arshad Nadeem set a new Olympic record in the Javelin throw!!!! 92.97m!!!! pic.twitter.com/WrngZ4DPJN

— Khurram Husain (@KhurramHusain) August 8, 2024