Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra is set to return to competition after nearly a year when he takes part in the Doha Diamond League on Friday. The two-time Olympic medallist has not competed since the World Championships in September last year due to a back injury. Chopra finished eighth in that event with a throw of 84.03m and has since been focusing on recovery and training.
A Return to Happy Hunting Grounds
The 28-year-old will return to a venue that has brought him good memories. It was at the Doha Diamond League in May last year that Chopra crossed the 90m mark for the first time in his career, recording a throw of 90.23m. He finished second behind Germany's Julian Weber, who threw 91.06m.
Chopra has been training in Switzerland since late May after completing rehabilitation in Turkey. He was added to the Doha Diamond League field at the last minute after deciding he was fit enough to compete.
"I started throwing one and a half months ago and we took our time. Then I asked Doha (organisers) if it's possible if I let them know (about taking part in Doha DL) in very short period, like one week ago. They said yes and then we decided after my last session, okay let's compete in Doha," Chopra said before the event. When asked if he was targeting another 90m throw, Chopra said: "I will try my best. I feel really good and fit, let's see tomorrow."
Tough Challenge Awaits
Chopra will face a strong field led by Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, who is enjoying the best season of his career. The 24-year-old became only the fourth Asian athlete to cross the 90m mark when he threw 92.62m at the Rome Diamond League earlier this month. That effort made him the world leader this season and one of the favourites in Doha.
Pathirage's throw was better than Chopra's personal best of 90.23m and was also one of the longest throws in history. He recently won the Golden Spike meet in Ostrava with a throw of 86.57m.
This will be only the third meeting between Chopra and Pathirage. Their head-to-head record stands at 1-1. Chopra defeated the Sri Lankan at the Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru in 2025, where he won gold and Pathirage finished third. However, at the World Championships last year, Pathirage finished seventh while Chopra ended eighth.
Speaking about his rival, Chopra said: "It's really amazing (achievement). He's really good, he's a good friend of mine. I'm happy for him, and for what he did for Sri Lanka."
Pathirage is well known in India after competing in several events here since 2024, including the National Inter-State Championships, the South Asian Athletics Championships and the Indian Open Continental Tour.
The Doha field also includes reigning world champion Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago, two-time world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada, Curtis Thompson of the USA, Kenya's Julius Yego, Czech Republic's Jakub Vadlejch, Egypt's Mohamed Huseein Ahmed Sameh and Ukraine's Artur Felfner. Pakistan's Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem was initially expected to compete but later withdrew from the event.
Commonwealth Games Spot in Sight
Chopra was recently named in India's 32-member athletics squad for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. He still needs to meet the Athletics Federation of India's qualifying standard of 82.61m, a mark well within his reach. The Commonwealth Games will be held from July 23 to August 2.
As he returns after a long injury break, all eyes will be on Chopra to see whether he can quickly regain his rhythm and challenge the world's best once again.
