Neeraj Chopra to begin title defence against strong field

By Admin

17 Sep, 2025

India’s golden boy of athletics, Neeraj Chopra, is all set to begin his World Championship title defence as he enters the qualification round on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. The reigning champion, who etched his name in history by clinching the gold in Budapest in 2023, now has the opportunity to achieve another remarkable milestone becoming only the third male javelin thrower to defend a World Championship crown.

Aiming for a Rare Feat

If Neeraj succeeds, he will join an elite list of legends. His coach, Czech great Jan Zelezny, won consecutive golds in 1993 and 1995, while Grenada’s Anderson Peters accomplished the same in 2019 and 2022. Now, the stage is set for the Indian superstar to replicate their success and carve a new chapter in global athletics.

Clash of Titans

This year’s World Championships promises fireworks, featuring a star-studded field. Neeraj will compete alongside some of the sport’s biggest names, including Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan, Diamond League champion Julian Weber of Germany, 2015 world champion Julius Yego of Kenya, 2012 Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago, Czech veteran Jakub Vadlejch, and Brazil’s Luiz da Silva another formidable 90m thrower.

The much-awaited Neeraj-Nadeem clash will not take place in the qualification stage as both are placed in different groups. Fans, however, can look forward to a possible face-off in the final on Thursday, September 18, 2025 a duel set to reignite memories of the Paris Olympics, where Nadeem edged past Neeraj for the top spot. This gives Chopra the perfect chance to seek redemption.

India’s Strongest Javelin Contingent

For the first time, India will witness its largest representation in the javelin throw at the World Championships. Alongside Neeraj, Sachin Yadav, Yashvir Singh, and Rohit Yadav will also step onto the field. While Chopra earned a wild card entry as the defending champion, the other three secured their spots through the world rankings. This marks a historic moment for Indian athletics, showcasing the country’s growing dominance in the discipline.

Qualification Pathway

Athletes must achieve the automatic qualifying mark of 84.50m or be among the top 12 performers to enter the final. With Neeraj’s consistency and big-match temperament, Indian fans are hopeful of seeing him comfortably secure his spot.

Road Ahead

Nadeem enters the championships with limited competition exposure this season, having featured in just one event, while Neeraj has been fine-tuning his form under the guidance of Zelezny. With a blockbuster line-up and the promise of thrilling battles, this edition of the World Championships could be one of the most exciting yet for the javelin throw.

As the defending champion steps onto the field, the hopes of an entire nation rest on his shoulders. Can Neeraj Chopra script history by defending his crown and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest javelin throwers of all time? All eyes will be on him this week.