Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra showcased his prowess once again at the World Athletics Championships, advancing to the finals with a stellar throw of 88.77m in the men’s Javelin event. This feat not only secured his position in the finals but also ensured his qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Delivering his season’s best and ranking it as the fourth-best throw in his illustrious career, Chopra’s performance was a testament to his consistent excellence.
By exceeding the required minimum distance of 85.50m for Olympic qualification, Chopra has paved his way towards Paris 2024. However, it’s essential to note that while meeting the Olympic standard is crucial, the final decision regarding an athlete’s inclusion in the NOC team for the Games is determined by the National Olympic Committee.
In the preliminary round of the Championships, Neeraj Chopra’s dominance was evident. Among the participants, only Germany’s Julian Webber could cross the 80 meters mark, registering a throw of 82.39m.
Neeraj, who was the crown jewel of the Tokyo Olympics for India, had to settle for silver in the previous World Athletics Championships, finishing behind Anderson Peters. Interestingly, Peters struggled in the current qualification round, achieving a maximum throw of 78.49m after three attempts.
India’s emerging javelin sensation, DP Manu, also delivered a commendable performance, throwing a distance of 81.31 meters, only falling short of Julian Webber. With his current standing, DP Manu stands a strong chance to advance to the finals, unless nine athletes outperform him in the subsequent qualification round.