NEW DELHI: Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra kicked off his Diamond League title defence with a win within the first leg. After the win, Chopra, who had bagged the 2022 Diamond League last trophy final 12 months, stated he’ll push himself extra within the upcoming competitions this season.
Chopra gained the season-opening first spherical with a finest throw of 88.67m to beat a star-studded subject on the Qatar Sports Club on Friday.
“It was a very hard win, but I’m happy, it’s a really good start for me,” Chopra stated.

“This season I’ll stay fit and consistent and I’ll try to do my best in next competitions. I plan to stay fit and do more than I can,” added Chopra, who has his eyes set on breaching the coveted 90m mark.

Chopra will function within the Ostrava Golden Spike occasion in Czech Republic, a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold stage meet, on June 27, in response to the world physique.
Chopra’s present coaching base is at Antalya, Turkey.
“I hope to come in the first place in the next competitions and to keep consistency during this season,” the Indian celebrity stated.

Chopra’s finest throw got here in his first strive which is his fourth finest effort. The Olympic champion had ample help as his compatriots got here out to cheer him.
“Lot of people came to support me and they are really happy. Sometimes it’s really hard because we have a big country and people have hopes, and now more athletes from my country join me in the Diamond league and other competitions.
“I’m fortunate individuals think about me, I really feel actually good. This Doha assembly is nice, the primary one yearly,” he added.
Despite a quality field that included the likes of reigning world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada and Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch of Czech Republic, the throws were quite underwhelming compared to last year when both Peters and Vadlejch sent the spear beyond 90m.
Chopra had even acknowledged the reputation of Doha giving 90m-plus throws during the pre-event press conference on Thursday.
But strong headwind on Friday made it challenging for the javellin to go the distance.
“It was difficult for all athletes, however I’m nonetheless happy with my end result. It’s an awesome environment. Today was difficult, subsequent time I’ll do extra throws,” Chopra said.
Peters, who had won the event here last year with a monster throw of 93.07m, finished third with a modest best throw of 85.88m.
“The wind was a bit sturdy, I hoped we might get a tailwind. It was an excellent competitors as a result of the highest guys are right here,” Peters stated.
(With inputs from PTI)