Neeraj Chopra to begin Diamond League defence in Doha, starting May 5
Indian javelin sensation, Neeraj Chopra will kickstart his defence of the Diamond League at the Doha Meeting starting May 5, Friday. Chopra, who became the first Indian to win an Olympics gold medal in a track and field event, had won the league last year following a career best throw and national record throw of 89.94m at BAUHAUS-Galan in Stockholm.
Chopra had missed the 2022 meet in Doha following an injury and also opted to sit out the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham as a precautionary measure. In his absence Grenada’s Anderson Peterson recorded a fifth longest throw in Javelin hory, 93.07 in Doha.
Olympic champion and world silver medall Chopra will join world champion Anderson Peters (GRN) and Olympic silver medall Vadlejch (CZE) in a much-anticipated javelin competition at #DiamondLeague in Doha Friday 5 Mayhttps://t.co/WMvTmTKae0
🎟️https://t.co/C1czrif8zN🎟️ pic.twitter.com/lxMDettd9A
— Doha Diamond League (@dldoha) April 13, 2023
“While last year was a good year for me with a new personal best, world silver medal, and the win of the Wanda Diamond League, this year brings new opportunities. My goal for this summer is the World Championships, alongside the Asian Games and the defence of my Wanda Diamond League title. I’m also getting closer to the 90m mark, so it would mean a lot for me to break that barrier,” Chopra was quoted on the Diamond League website.”
Chopra, who received good support during the Diamond League tour last year, opened up on how it has affected him.
“I’m always overwhelmed the warm support I get from Indians across the world and in Qatar that is particularly special, so I’m looking forward to opening my 2023 Wanda Diamond League season in Doha alongside a group of incredible athletes, in front of a passionate crowd.”
He further added, “It’s hugely important for me to inspire my nation and its people,” said the 25-year-old. “I have a constant desire for improvement and I will continue to work hard, as I always have done, in order to achieve that.”
The 2023 Diamond League will feature 14 meets, starting from Doha to a single final across two days in Eugene (16-17 September).
