Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra betters own national record in Finland

In his first competition after winning a historic gold at the Tokyo Olympics last year, Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra broke his own national record.

On Tuesday (June 14), Chopra, with a throw of 89.30 metres at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland, bettered his previous mark of 88.07. Chopra’s record effort got him the silver medal.

Also read: With Olympic gold in his kitty, Neeraj Chopra now eyes World Championships

Paavo Nurmi Games is part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series and one of the most prestigious competitions outside the Diamond League events.

The 24-year-old had previously set the national record in Patiala in March 2021. The same year in August, in Japan, he won the Olympics javelin throw gold with a throw of 87.58 metres.

Chopra’s reaction

“I am pleased with my performance. It was my first event of the season, so I am happy to have started the season on a high note. My performance here has boosted my confidence significantly,” Neeraj said when asked about his performance.

“Going forward I am looking to work on my technique, throw, and overall performance. I am in a happy place at the moment and I just want to do well in the upcoming events,” he added.

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The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) shared the video of Chopra’s record throw on Twitter and wrote, “Olympic Champion Neeraj Chopra settles for a Silver Medal with a New National Record Throw of 89.30m at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland. @afi We can see several performance hikes in various events this season. Hope for more further. @Adille1 @Media_SAI @SPORTINGINDIAtw (sic).”

Chopra started off with a throw of 86.92 metres and in the second attempt better his national record. The next three attempts were fouls and his sixth and final throw was 85.85 metres.

Finland’s 25-year-old Oliver Helander won the gold with a throw of 89.83 metres. Reigning world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada took the bronze with 86.60m.

Neeraj’s best effort of 89.30m in the tournament also helped him to reach the fifth spot on the world season leaders’ list.