India’s javelin sensation and two-time Olympic medalist, Neeraj Chopra, is set to launch his 2025 Diamond League campaign in Doha, Qatar, this Friday. With his sights firmly set on the elusive 90-meter mark, Chopra aims to begin the season with a powerful statement—and possibly another podium finish—at this high-stakes meet.
This will be Chopra’s first major competition under his new coach, Jan Zelezny, a javelin legend and three-time Olympic gold medalist. The change marks a new chapter for the reigning World Champion, who previously trained under biomechanics expert Dr. Klaus Bartonietz, the mentor behind Chopra’s historic Olympic gold in Tokyo and World Championship triumph.
The Doha meet carries added significance, as it will be Chopra’s sole competition this month following the cancellation of the NC Classic 2025—an event he co-organized with World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India, originally scheduled for May 24 in Bengaluru.
The field in Doha is stacked with world-class competitors, including:
- Anderson Peters (Grenada) – Two-time world champion and 2024 Olympic bronze medalist
- Jakub Vadlejch (Czechia) – Doha 2024 winner and Olympic silver medalist
- Julian Weber & Max Dehning (Germany)
- Julius Yego (Kenya)
- Roderick Genki Dean (Japan)
Notably absent from the lineup is Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan, the reigning Olympic gold medalist, who is instead prepping for the Asian Athletics Championships in Korea.
India’s presence in Doha extends beyond Chopra. Fellow javelin thrower Kishore Kumar Jena, a silver medalist at the Asian Games, will also compete. In track events, Gulveer Singh, India’s national record holder, will race in the Men’s 5000m, while Parul Chaudhary will test her mettle in the Women’s 3000m steeplechase.
Where and When to Watch:
Event: Doha Diamond League – Neeraj Chopra’s Javelin Throw
Date: Friday, May 16, 2025
Time: Starts at 10:13 PM IST
Live Stream: Watch live on the Wanda Diamond League YouTube channel and Facebook page (No TV broadcast)
As fans across the globe tune in, all eyes will be on Neeraj Chopra to see if this season opener delivers the much-awaited 90m throw—and perhaps, another unforgettable chapter in his already iconic career.
