By 
One Big Early Throw Does the Trick as Neeraj Wins First Diamond League Meet of 2025
Paris, June 20, 2025 — The magic of javelin lies in the precision, the controlled aggression, and the perfection of timing. And on a humid Friday evening at the Stade Charléty in Paris, Neeraj Chopra reminded the world once again why he is India’s foremost track and field icon. In his first Diamond League appearance of the 2025 season, Chopra claimed victory in style — not with a flurry of towering throws, but with just one spectacular effort that ended the competition almost before it began.
His opening throw of 88.16 metres was enough to outclass a competitive field, including Germany’s Julian Weber, who had denied him gold earlier this season in Doha. Though Neeraj’s throw didn’t breach the elusive 90m mark, it firmly secured the top spot on the podium and earned him his first Diamond League victory of 2025.
“I’m happy with the throw. It was my first throw and it was a good start, but I was hoping for really good throws today,” Neeraj said in the mixed zone, candidly assessing his performance. “My run-up was really fast today. I can’t control my speed, but I’m happy with the result and with first position.”
A Winning Throw, Yet Not Perfect
Chopra’s 88.16m attempt had all the visual markers of a good throw — explosive release, confident stride, and arms flung upward in celebration. But even as the crowd roared, Neeraj’s own reaction was restrained. Not because the throw lacked brilliance, but because he now measures his excellence on a higher scale. In 2025, his standards have evolved beyond just winning; he wants the magical 90m mark to become the norm.
Interestingly, despite the early lead, Chopra fouled three of his six attempts, a rarity for the Olympic and World Champion. His remaining legal throws hovered around the low 80s, but none matched the power and precision of his opener. The lack of consistency didn’t escape Neeraj’s own scrutiny.
“It’s a matter of timing. I feel really good during the run-up, but the timing was not so good at the release. I was falling to the left. I need to throw more from the chest and go up with the javelin — but I go too much left,” he admitted, gesturing towards the chesty technique he’s striving to perfect.
Neeraj acknowledged that better control at the point of release was crucial. While he’s working on minor tweaks to his technique, he also mentioned the need for a stronger core and more physical strength to maintain stability through the throw — comments delivered with his trademark humility and a laugh that underlined his ever-growing hunger for self-improvement.
Weber Falls Short, Brazilian Breaks Record
Julian Weber, the German star who had edged past Neeraj in Doha with a last-gasp 90m+ throw, was consistent but visibly off his peak in Paris. All of his six throws were over 81m, but his best effort — 87.88m — came in his very first attempt and wasn’t enough to dethrone Neeraj this time. The duel between Weber and Chopra is fast becoming one of javelin’s great rivalries, adding excitement to every meet they share.
The standout performer of the night, apart from Chopra, was Luiz Mauricio da Silva from Brazil. Quietly entering the meet under the radar, the South American delivered a huge surprise in his third attempt with a personal best and South American record of 86.62m. It was a massive step forward for the Brazilian and enough to earn him a place on the podium.
Two-time World Champion Anderson Peters, on the other hand, continued to struggle for form. The Grenadian could only manage 80.29m, finishing fifth behind Keshorn Walcott. His performance this season has been lukewarm at best, and questions remain around his fitness and rhythm post-injury.
Crafting Victories: Neeraj’s Steady Climb
With the Olympics in Paris just over a month away, Neeraj’s steady form bodes well. The Diamond League event served as more than just another stop on the global circuit — it was a crucial test of preparation and readiness in conditions not far removed from those expected at the Olympic venue, Stade de France, where Neeraj won silver last year.
In many ways, this Paris Diamond League meet mirrored his trajectory — flashes of brilliance, but also a constant striving for better. The Indian champion continues to push boundaries, not just in terms of distance but in fine-tuning every aspect of his craft.
“There are so many things to change still,” Neeraj noted, flashing a smile. “Maybe a stronger core, stronger body… we’re working on it.”
It’s that blend of humility and hunger that has endeared him to fans across the globe. Never complacent, never content with just the win — Neeraj is a student of his sport and an eternal chaser of perfection.
Diamond League Standings and Road Ahead
Neeraj’s victory in Paris puts him at a strong position on the Diamond League points table for 2025. Though it’s early in the season, his form suggests he will once again be a serious contender for the Diamond Trophy, which he famously won in 2022. With key meets lined up before the Olympics, including events in Oslo, Stockholm, and potentially Zurich, Neeraj is expected to maintain a busy competition schedule.
More than just collecting wins, though, each event serves as a stepping stone in his quest for another Olympic gold — this time on French soil. His presence in Paris already seems symbolic, and his first victory of the season here may just be a sign of what’s to come.
A Nation Watches, A Star Delivers
Back home in India, the celebrations were swift and loud. Social media was abuzz within moments of the throw. The Inspire Institute of Sport, where Neeraj trains, posted a video of his throw, writing:
“BOOM 💥 Neeraj Chopra with a 88.16m throw in his first attempt! Big statement here at the Paris Diamond League from the champion himself. 🔥”
Fans, athletes, and former sportspersons alike joined in congratulating the golden boy of Indian athletics. From Olympic hopefuls drawing inspiration to fans dreaming of another tryst with glory in Paris later this summer, Neeraj’s throw stirred the hopes of a nation.
Conclusion: Victory Today, Vision for Tomorrow
Friday night in Paris was another glorious chapter in Neeraj Chopra’s unfolding story. It wasn’t his longest throw, nor was it a flawless series — but it was good enough to win, and that’s often what champions do: they find a way to be better than the rest, even on days they don’t feel their best.
In a sport where millimetres can separate joy from heartbreak, Neeraj Chopra has made a habit of delivering under pressure. With the Diamond League now well underway and the Paris Olympics drawing near, he stands not just as a favourite, but as a symbol of excellence, preparation, and relentless pursuit.
He may not have found perfection yet, but if one big throw can win the day, imagine what will happen when everything comes together. The world will be watching.
Comments