Xtra Time Web Desk: India’s champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra won gold at the Kuortane Games in Finland on Saturday after he threw 86.69m in his first attempt. It was his first gold since his historic feat at Tokyo Olympics.
Tokyo Olympic gold medallist had an excellent start to the season since coming back after a 10-month long break. He broke his own national record by throwing 89.30m at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old clinched gold in the nine-man javelin competition with his first attempt of 86.69m. He fouled in his next two attempts, awkwardly slipping in his third attempt. But he was soon on his feet, clearing doubts about any injury concerns.
Chopra has set his sights on breaching the 90m mark this season, but he once again showed his ability to excel in competitions regardless of the conditions. The champion athlete has been training at the Kuortane Olympic Training Centre since the last week of May.
Chopra is next scheduled to compete in the Diamond League meet in Stockholm on June 30. The world championships in Eugene, Oregon (July 15-24) will be followed by the Birmingham Commonwealth Games (July 28-Aug 8), where he is defending champion.