/popdiaries/media/media_files/2025/04/08/uVfYGAjqJRJp3IPxpcHk.jpg)
Follow Us
Double Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra, the renowned Indian javelin thrower, has announced on Tuesday that he will begin his season at the Doha Diamond League set for May 16 in the Qatari capital. Chopra, who has also secured gold at the Tokyo Olympics & silver at the 2024 Paris Games, expressed his enthusiasm to compete before one of athletics' most fervent fanbases during his 3rd consecutive appearance at the Wanda Diamond League meeting in Doha.
In 2024, he triumphed at the Qatar Sports Club with a world-leading throw of 88.67m. Before his 3rd participation at this event, he stated that he looks forward to receiving even more enthusiastic support from Indian fans in Qatar.
"I'm always overwhelmed by the support I get from the Indian people in Qatar - there aren't enough words to thank them," stated the 27-year-old, now coached by Jan Zelezny from the Czech Republic, the world javelin record holder (98.48m) & multiple Olympic & world champion.
A sports icon, Chopra became the first Indian track and field athlete to win Olympic gold and World Championship gold, & also the first Indian ever to win a Diamond League meeting along with the Diamond League title.
He shortly missed additional accolades last season by finishing second to Arshad Nadeem in the Olympic final and to Anderson Peters at the Diamond League Final in Brussels.
"Last year taught me a lot, but I was proud to be on the podium for India once again at the Olympic Games. I'm now fully fit and really enjoying the hard work that Jan Zelezny and I are putting in. I'm looking forward to opening my season in Doha," Chopra was quoted as stating everything on the Diamond League website.
"The crowd at the Qatar Sports Club is always loud, and I think that brings out the best in all of us. I know the fans expect big things from me when I compete here - and with good conditions and a great atmosphere that's definitely possible - but I pride myself on my consistency, which I believe is one of my greatest strengths. For me, that's more important than just chasing a number."
The Wanda Diamond League represents the elite series of one-day meetings in global athletics, encompassing fifteen of the most prestigious events in track and field. Athletes compete for points at the 14 series meetings to qualify for the 2-day Wanda Diamond League Final, which is scheduled for Zurich on August 27 and 28.
Following the Doha meet, Chopra will participate in the 'Neeraj Chopra Classic' javelin event on May 24, held in Panchkula.