Neeraj Chopra’s 90.23m Throw at Doha Diamond League Sets New National Record

Neeraj Chopra: The First Indian Athlete to Cross the 90-Meter Mark in Javelin Throw

Indian athletics star Neeraj Chopra achieved a historic milestone on May 16, 2025, at the Doha Diamond League by recording a throw of 90.23 meters. This not only marked his personal best but also set a new national record for India. Prior to this, no Indian athlete had breached the 90-meter barrier in javelin throw.

Neeraj’s Journey in Javelin Throw

Born in the village of Khandra in Panipat district, Haryana, Neeraj began his athletic journey in 2016. Initially, he struggled with his weight but transformed this challenge into motivation by focusing on physical fitness. His interest in javelin throw developed soon after, leading him to train at the local Shivaji Stadium. His dedication bore fruit when he clinched the Junior Asian Championship title in 2016.

Notable Achievements

• Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Neeraj became the first Indian to win an Olympic gold in athletics.
• 2022 Stockholm Diamond League: He set a national record with a throw of 89.94 meters.
• 2024 Paris Olympics: Neeraj secured a silver medal with a throw of 89.45 meters.
• 2025 Doha Diamond League: He surpassed the 90-meter mark with a throw of 90.23 meters.

The Doha Diamond League 2025

In Doha, Neeraj’s performance unfolded as follows:

• First attempt: 88.44 meters
• Second attempt: Foul
• Third attempt: 90.23 meters (new national record)
• Fourth attempt: 80.56 meters
• Fifth attempt: Foul

Despite leading for most of the event, Neeraj finished second as Germany’s Julian Weber outperformed him with a final throw of 91.06 meters.

Technical Enhancements and Coaching

In 2025, Neeraj began training under the guidance of legendary coach Jan Železný, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and current world record holder. Železný focused on refining Neeraj’s throwing technique, emphasizing the direction of the javelin and the positioning of his body. These adjustments contributed to Neeraj’s ability to achieve the 90.23-meter throw.

Future Prospects

Neeraj Chopra’s remarkable achievement of surpassing the 90-meter mark in javelin throw has not only solidified his position among the elite athletes globally but also set the stage for even greater accomplishments. Drawing from his consistent performances and the technical enhancements under the guidance of coach Jan Železný, Neeraj is poised to push the boundaries further.

Renowned para-athlete Devendra Jhajharia, a double Paralympic gold medalist, expressed confidence in Neeraj’s potential, stating that once Neeraj breaks the 90-meter barrier, he could exceed it by a significant margin, possibly reaching distances of 92 to 93 meters within the next one or two years .

Neeraj himself has conveyed a strong sense of determination, emphasizing that his primary focus remains on securing victories and medals, rather than merely achieving distance milestones. He believes that with the technical adjustments made in his throwing technique, surpassing the 90-meter mark is imminent, and he is eager to achieve even greater distances in future competitions .

Looking ahead, Neeraj’s aspirations extend beyond personal records. He aims to continue representing India on the global stage, striving for podium finishes at major events like the World Championships and the Paris 2024 Olympics. His dedication, combined with the support of his coaching team, positions him to inspire the next generation of athletes and elevate Indian athletics to new heights.

Conclusion

Neeraj Chopra’s 90.23-meter throw at the Doha Diamond League 2025 is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence. This milestone not only elevates his career but also inspires aspiring athletes across India to aim higher and pursue their dreams with determination.

His achievement signifies a breakthrough in Indian athletics, showcasing that with dedication and the right guidance, previously unattainable goals can be realized. As Neeraj continues to push the boundaries of his performance, he sets a benchmark for future generations, proving that perseverance and passion can lead to historic accomplishments.

Looking ahead, Neeraj’s journey is poised to inspire countless individuals to believe in their potential and strive for excellence, reinforcing the idea that no dream is too big to achieve.