India’s star athlete, Neeraj Chopra, is set to defend his men’s javelin title at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Chopra, India’s first track and field Olympic gold medallist, will compete in the Men’s Javelin Throw qualification event alongside compatriot Kishore Jena. The Group A qualification round will begin at 1:50 PM on August 8, followed by Group B at 3:20 PM on the same day. Both athletes secured top honors at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year, with Chopra taking gold and Jena earning silver.
Since his historic win at the Tokyo Olympics, Neeraj Chopra has continued to shine on the international stage, winning the Diamond League title in 2022 and another gold at the Asian Games in 2023. The javelin throw final in Paris is scheduled for August 8 at 11:55 PM (IST), taking place at the iconic Stade de France, which will host all track and field events.
As Chopra steps onto the Olympic stage once again, the anticipation is palpable among Indian fans. His gold medal win in Tokyo not only marked a personal triumph but also a historic moment for Indian athletics.
In javelin throw competitions, athletes are given six attempts to launch their javelin as far as possible, with their best attempt recorded as their official score. The qualification round in Paris will feature 32 athletes, with the top 12 advancing to the final. In the final, each athlete receives another six attempts, with the longest throw determining the winner. Medals are awarded to the top three athletes with the best throws.
Golden Boy: Neeraj Chopra
Neeraj Chopra’s career trajectory has been remarkable. After his gold medal performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, he has added multiple accolades to his name, including gold at the 2022 Diamond League, the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. Chopra’s relentless pursuit of excellence and his consistent improvement in throwing distances have solidified his reputation as one of the greatest javelin throwers in history.
Neeraj vs. Arshad
Chopra’s head-to-head record against Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem highlights a healthy rivalry marked by mutual respect and a shared drive to excel. This competitive spirit promises an exciting contest at the 2024 Paris Olympics, as fans eagerly anticipate another showdown between these top athletes.
Kishore Jena
With DP Manu sidelined due to injury in 2022, Kishore Jena has emerged as a formidable contender. Jena’s impressive performances, including a silver medal at the 2022 Asian Games and a personal best throw of 87.54 meters, make him a strong candidate for a podium finish in Paris. While much of the attention will be on Chopra, Jena’s potential to surprise with a medal-winning performance should not be underestimated.