Kumar Bahukhandi
PM Modi-Neeraj Chopra – Photo : PTI
Neeraj threw the javelin 90.23 meters at the Doha Diamond League on Friday May 16, 2025 and finally crossed the 90-meter mark. However, he had to settle for second place. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised Neeraj.
When India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra touched the 90 meter mark for the first time in his career, Prime Minister Narendra Modi could not stop praising him. He did so in the Doha Diamond League, but finished second. Praising Neeraj, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday May 17 , 2025 said that the credit for his success goes to his tireless dedication, discipline and passion.
PM Modi praised Neeraj
PM Modi wrote on the social media handle X, ‘India is happy and proud.’ The PM wrote, ‘Great achievement! Congratulations to Neeraj Chopra for crossing the 90 meter mark and achieving his best personal throw in the Doha Diamond League 2025. This is the result of his tireless dedication, discipline and passion.’ Neeraj threw the javelin 90.23 meters away in the Doha Diamond League on Friday May 16 and finally crossed the 90 meter limit. However, he had to settle for second place. Julian Weber of Germany threw the javelin 91 meters away in his last attempt and secured the first place.
Competition seen between Neeraj and Weber
The 27-year-old double Olympic medalist threw his javelin to 90.23 meters in his third attempt, while Weber threw 91.06 meters in his last attempt. His current coach, Czech Republic’s Jan Zelezny, is at the top among javelin throwers who have thrown more than 90 meters. Tokyo Olympic champion Chopra became the 25th player in the world and the third in Asia to cross 90 meters. Olympic champion Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem (92.97 meters) and Chinese Taipei’s Chao Sun Cheng (91.36) are the only two other Asian players who have thrown more than 90 meters.
This is a bittersweet experience for Neeraj
Neeraj said after the match, ‘I am very happy to touch the 90 meter mark, but it is indeed a bit bittersweet experience. Never mind, my coach and I are still working on some aspects of my throw. We started working together only in February this year. I am still learning things. In the last few years, I always felt pain in my back and had troubles. Because of this, I was not able to give my best. This year I am feeling much better, we will also work on some aspects and hence I am confident that I can throw more than 90 meters in the events coming up to the World Championships this year.
