In a landmark achievement for Indian athletics, Neeraj Chopra breached the elusive 90-meter mark for the first time in his career at the Doha Diamond League 2025. With a remarkable throw of 90.23 meters on his third attempt, Chopra not only set a new personal best but also became the first Indian to join the elite group of javelin throwers who have crossed this significant threshold. Despite this feat, he secured the second position, with Germany’s Julian Weber clinching the top spot with a throw of 91.06 meters.
Doha Diamond League 2025 Event Highlights
- Event: Doha Diamond League 2025
- Date: May 16, 2025
- Venue: Suheim bin Hamad Stadium, Doha, Qatar
- Neeraj Chopra’s Performance:
- 1st Attempt: 88.44 m
- 2nd Attempt: Foul
- 3rd Attempt: 90.23 m (Personal Best & National Record)
- 4th Attempt: 80.56 m
- 5th & 6th Attempts: Foul
Chopra’s third attempt not only marked his personal best but also surpassed his previous national record of 89.94 meters set in 2022 at the Stockholm Diamond League. This throw places him as the 25th athlete globally to cross the 90-meter mark in javelin throw.
Final Standings
| Rank | Athlete | Country | Best Throw |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Julian Weber | Germany | 91.06 m |
| 2 | Neeraj Chopra | India | 90.23 m |
| 3 | Anderson Peters | Grenada | 85.64 m |
| 8 | Kishore Jena | India | 78.60 m |
Julian Weber’s winning throw came in his final attempt, surpassing Chopra’s leading mark and securing his victory in a dramatic finish.
Indian National Pride and Reactions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Chopra’s achievement, stating:
“A spectacular feat! Congratulations to Neeraj Chopra for breaching the 90 m mark at Doha Diamond League 2025 and achieving his personal best throw. This is the outcome of his relentless dedication, discipline, and passion. India is elated and proud.”
A spectacular feat! Congratulations to Neeraj Chopra for breaching the 90 m mark at Doha Diamond League 2025 and achieving his personal best throw. This is the outcome of his relentless dedication, discipline and passion. India is elated and proud. @Neeraj_chopra1 pic.twitter.com/n33Zw4ZfIt
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 17, 2025
Chopra expressed that breaking the 90-meter barrier was a collective aspiration for Indian athletics, saying, “The 90m burden is off India’s back.”
With this milestone, Chopra has set a strong precedent for the upcoming athletic season. His performance not only elevates India’s standing in the field of javelin throw but also inspires a new generation of athletes to aim higher.
