Paris, France, August 6, 2024: India’s javelin king Neeraj Chopra threw a season’s best 89.34 metres with his first - and last - throw to lead the qualifying competition at the Stade de France on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion underlined his fine form and fitness with only one throw as he prepares to defend his title on Thursday evening.
Chopra, who won Tokyo gold by throwing 87.58, commented: “It was a good throw. Maybe the biggest ever in qualifying for me. All the throwers look in good shape. The final will be a really good competition for sure.”
The defending champion was asked what motivated him. “My biggest motivation is that I always go out to do my best because I know I have not reached my peak,” he replied.
“I am not yet as good as I would like to be technically or in distance, so I want to improve and throw further.
"And I want to set an example for other Indian athletes so that we can compete here with the best countries in athletics.”
Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem also threw a season’s best 86.59 to qualify comfortably for the 12-strong final, which opens at 8.25pm local time on Thursday, August 8.