India’s Olympic and World Champion Neeraj Chopra finished runner-up at the Zurich Diamond League Finals, extending his remarkable streak of podium finishes to nearly four years.
Despite the second-place finish, Chopra was self-critical, admitting that his run-up and rhythm “were not so good” and stressing the need to “throw a little further” with the World Championships in Tokyo just weeks away.
Chopra, 27, opened with a throw of 84.35m, followed by an 82m effort in his second attempt. He fouled his next three throws before saving his best for last with 85.01m — a distance that secured him second place, edging past Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott. Known for his consistent 88m-plus performances, the Indian star acknowledged he was not at his sharpest.
“This was not too bad. But we are getting very close to the world championships, so I still need to throw a little bit further,” Chopra said post-event. “There were a few things that went well, but still, there were things which did not go that well. The run-up was not so good. There is something I didn’t find today.”
Germany’s Julian Weber dominated the event with two sensational 90m-plus throws, including a personal best and season’s world lead of 91.57m. His opening throw of 91.37m immediately set the tone, leaving the rest of the field trailing by more than six metres. Weber’s series also included 83.66m, 86.45m, 88.66m, and one foul.
Chopra, who won the Diamond League trophy in 2022, has now finished runner-up for three consecutive years (2023, 2024, and 2025). Defending champion Anderson Peters of Grenada had to settle for fourth with a best of 82.06m.
Chopra, however, remained upbeat about the upcoming challenge in Tokyo. “In the last attempt, I still managed to throw 85. But I am very happy for Julian today — he managed to throw really far, and to show 91m was really good. We will see in three weeks. Everything will be different in Tokyo.”
The World Championships will be held in Tokyo from September 13 to 21, where Chopra will aim to reclaim his top form and add another global medal to his illustrious career.
