Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Neeraj Chopra will begin his competitive season at the prestigious Doha Diamond League on Friday, 16 May. The two-time Olympic medallist will be joined by compatriot Kishore Jena in the men’s javelin event, which boasts a star-studded line-up. While reigning Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem will not be part of the event, the rest of the global javelin elite will be in action in Doha.
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The field includes former world champion and Paris Olympics bronze medallist Anderson Peters, Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch, young German sensation Max Dehning, and Rio Olympics silver and bronze medallists Julius Yego and Keshorn Walcott. Germany’s ever-consistent Julian Weber will also be in the fray, making the competition even more intense.
Also Read: Arshad Nadeem and I were never really close friends, says Neeraj Chopra
Neeraj Chopra previously competed in an invitational tournament in Potchefstroom earlier this year, throwing 84.52m to clinch gold. However, the Doha meet will serve as his first major test of the 2025 season. The Indian star has begun working with legendary Czech coach Jan elezn, the world record holder in men’s javelin, marking a new phase in his training regime.
Speaking on the eve of the Doha Diamond League, Neeraj revealed that he has been injury-free for the first time in several years heading into a new season. He also reflected on adapting to elezn’s methods, after having previously shared a strong working relationship with former coach Klaus Bartonietz.
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“I trained differently with Klaus – we would do throwing one day and lifting the next. But with Jan, we throw in the morning and lift in the afternoon. It was a new experience for me,” Neeraj said.
“In the beginning it was difficult, but after a few weeks, I really started to enjoy it. Everything has been going well following some excellent sessions. We made a few small adjustments to my technique, and while I’ve had groin issues in the past, I haven’t missed a single session this time around. So I’m feeling very good,” he added.
Neeraj will now shift his focus towards breaching the elusive 90m mark as part of his preparations for the World Championships in September.
Meanwhile, attention will also be on Kishore Jena, who returns to international competition after a six-month lay-off following ankle surgery. Jena won silver at the 2023 Asian Games with a personal best throw of 87.54m but has since struggled to recreate his top form.
WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH DOHA DIAMOND LEAGUE
- There are no official broadcasters for the Doha Diamond League in India. Wanda Diamond League YouTube channel will offer live streaming of the event.
- The men’s javelin final will get underway at 10:15 pm IST.
WHO WILL COMPETE WITH NEERAJ IN DOHA DIAMOND LEAGUE
- Neeraj Chopra – SB: 84.52 m, PB: 89.94 m
- Anderson Peters – SB: 74.90 m, PB: 93.07 m
- Jakub Vadlejch – SB: –, PB: 90.88 m
- Julian Weber – SB: –, PB: 89.54 m
- Julius Yego – SB: –, PB: 92.72 m
- Keshorn Walcott – SB: –, PB: 90.16 m
- Oliver Helander – SB: –, PB: 89.83 m
- Roderick Genki Dean – SB: –, PB: 84.28 m
- Kishore Jena – SB: 77.82 m, PB: 87.54 m
- Max Dehning – SB: 79.61 m, PB: 90.20 m
- Ahmed Sameh Mohamed Hussein – SB: –, PB: 73.86 m
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
