Manama, Bahrain, June 26, 2025: Bahrain’s star sprinter Salwa Eid Naser powered to a sensational victory on Wednesday night, June 25, while setting a new meet record in the women’s 400 metres at the 64th Ostrava Golden Spike in the Czech Republic.
Her triumph was matched by India’s Neeraj Chopra who took the men’s javelin title on his Golden Spike debut. The meet is a Gold-level event as part of the World Athletics Continental Tour.
Former world champion and Paris 2024 Olympics silver medallist Naser was in a class of her own as she won the race in 49.15 seconds – a new best mark for the competition. She beat the previous record of 49.67 which had stood for 41 years.
“I didn't even know the meeting record so it was not my main goal. I just wanted to relax and win the race,” Naser was quoted by the Gulf Daily News.
This result was Naser’s seventh win of the season, and fourth in the 400m. “We have been working very hard so it is amazing to get these wins. You have to celebrate every win.”
Naser is one of the Kingdom’s best athletes. She is expected to be part of the Bahrain contingent that will be competing at this year’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo from September 13-21.
Meanwhile, former Olympic champion Chopra won the men’s javelin on his first appearance at the meet with a best throw of 85.29m.
“I am not that happy with my performance, but I am happy with the trophy I won,” Chopra said.