India’s Olympic and World Champion Neeraj Chopra reinforced his supremacy on the global stage with a stunning 88.16m throw to clinch the top spot at the Paris Diamond League, but the ace javelin thrower remained grounded, saying that he will only speak of breaking the world record after touching the 95m mark.
Neeraj’s very first throw of 88.16m sealed his victory on Friday night (local time), as none of his competitors could surpass it. Although three of his subsequent attempts were no-marks, his early effort proved sufficient for the win.
Speaking to Olympics.com, Chopra admitted he had aimed for a 90m-plus throw but struggled with controlling his run-up speed. “I was hoping for over 90m today, but my run-up was very fast, and I couldn’t control it. Still, I’m very happy to win a Diamond League after a long time,” he said.
Currently under the guidance of legendary coach Jan Zelezny—the world record holder with a throw of 98.48m set in 1996—Neeraj said the focus is more on steady progress rather than record-chasing hype. “If I am training under Jan, I have to throw over 90m – he has done it more than 52 times,” he noted.
When asked about chasing Zelezny’s records, Neeraj responded humbly: “First, I have to break some of his lesser records. The stadium record in Paris is 91.40m, set by my coach in 1993. I told him I felt good today, but it’s really hard to beat him. Maybe once I hit 95m, then I can start to say something – but right now, I need to keep working.”
Neeraj, who crossed the 90m mark for the first time last month at the Doha Diamond League (finishing second), also reflected on how Zelezny’s mentorship has improved his overall approach more than technical adjustments alone.
Looking ahead, Chopra confirmed his participation in the Ostrava Golden Spike meet on June 24 in Czechia, followed by the Neeraj Chopra Classic at home in early July.
His main focus, however, remains the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, scheduled for September 13-21, where he will attempt to defend the gold medal he won in Budapest in 2023. “The main target this year is the World Championships in Tokyo. I did really well there during the Olympics, and it’s a stadium that feels special to me,” Chopra said.
Stressing the importance of mental focus, Neeraj concluded, “I would not say I’m aiming for gold – I just want to give my best without pressure. At every new competition, I do not think too much about the past – I just focus on the present.”
With consistent top performances and a humble outlook, Neeraj Chopra continues to inspire fans and aspiring athletes worldwide.