The opening leg of the 2025 Diamond League in Doha saw India’s Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra make headlines with a sensational 90.23m javelin throw – a landmark many had been waiting for.
But the absence of one of his fiercest rivals, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, was equally notable.
Contrary to speculation, Nadeem’s absence wasn’t due to injury or form concerns. The 27-year-old Olympic gold medallist has deliberately opted out of the early-season competition to prioritize preparations for the upcoming Asian Athletics Championships, scheduled to be held in Gumi, South Korea, from May 27 to 31.
As per his support staff, Nadeem is currently in training and is expected to leave for South Korea on May 22, with the goal of peaking at the continental event rather than appearing prematurely in global competitions like the Diamond League. This strategic move is aimed at ensuring he hits top form when it matters most.
Meanwhile, Chopra seized the spotlight in Doha, finally breaching the elusive 90-metre mark – a feat that had eluded him for years. His 90.23m throw, which came in the third round, not only marked a new personal best and Indian national record but also made him the first Indian javelin thrower to cross 90m in a world-level competition.
Despite this monumental achievement, Chopra finished second behind Germany’s Julian Weber, whose dramatic final throw of 91.06m snatched victory in the dying moments of the contest.
Reflecting on his performance, Chopra described the experience as “a little bit bittersweet,” adding,
“I am very happy for the 90m, but this second place – it actually happened to me also when I competed in Turku and Stockholm. I threw 89.94, and I was always second. And also here. I broke the national record and got second today. But I am very happy also for Julian Weber. He threw 91, so we both broke 90m for the first time today. We have been trying this for so many years, so finally, we managed to get it.”
Chopra also revealed how past injuries had hindered his performances and how he finally feels free to push his limits:
“I was always feeling something in my groin in the last few years. I did not give my best because of that. This year, I feel much better.”
A key factor in Chopra’s recent form has been his new coach, Czech legend Jan Zelezny, a three-time Olympic gold medallist and current world record holder.
“I feel very good that Jan Zelezny is my coach now, and we worked very hard in South Africa. We are still working on a few points and are still learning some things. Normally, he does not go to the Diamond Leagues, but he came with me because he told me that today is the day to achieve 90m,” Chopra said.