Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra will shoulder India’s medal hopes as he attempts to defend his javelin gold at the World Athletics Championships, beginning in Tokyo on Saturday. If successful, the 27-year-old will become only the third man in history to win back-to-back world titles in the event.
Historic Chance for Chopra
Chopra clinched the crown in Budapest in 2023 with a throw of 88.17m, ahead of Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem (87.82m) and Czech star Jakub Vadlejch (86.67m). Another triumph in Tokyo on September 18 would see him join the legendary Jan Zelezny and Grenada’s Anderson Peters as the only men to achieve consecutive world javelin titles.
Fierce Field in Tokyo
The Indian ace will face a formidable line-up including his arch-rival Nadeem, Germany’s Diamond League winner Julian Weber, Grenada’s Peters, Kenya’s 2015 world champion Julius Yego, and Brazil’s Luiz da Silva, who threw 91m last month. On form, Weber enters as favourite with a world-leading 91.51m this season.
Chopra, who crossed the 90m mark in Doha earlier this year, has struggled for consistency, producing below-85m throws in some events. He also trails Weber 1-3 in head-to-head clashes this season, finishing second behind him in the Diamond League final.
Strong Indian Presence
India has fielded four athletes in men’s javelin — Chopra, Sachin Yadav, Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav — the most by any nation. Three Indians had reached the final in Budapest 2023, with Kishore Jena and DP Manu finishing fifth and sixth alongside Chopra’s gold.
Beyond javelin, Annu Rani, Parul Chaudhary, Murali Sreeshankar, Praveen Chithravel and Gulveer Singh will aim for strong showings in their respective events. Veteran Annu Rani, competing in her fifth Worlds, is targeting an improved finish after seventh place in 2022.
India’s campaign will begin with the men’s and women’s 35km race walks on Saturday, followed by Pooja in the 1500m heats.
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