Doha Diamond League: Neeraj Chopra starts strong, again

There is a definite pattern to Neeraj Chopra’s successes in the international arena in men’s javelin throw. He has sown a tendency to start strong at the big stage. Conventional wisdom might suggest that an athlete, in any discipline, is probably the most nervous at the start before settling down as things proceed but somehow, Chopra keeps finding his best early on.

The World Championships in Eugene last year, when he had to fight back after a slow start to win a historic silver for India, has been the exception to this general trend.

But the start to the 2023 season was another case of Chopra starting strong. After months of off-season work – in the UK, then South Africa, and Turkey – one could perhaps again think his first throw in the first event of the season could see him ease into things. But that’s not the Chopra way. The 25-year-old threw 88.67m with his opening attempt and that, on the night, would be the best throw in a strong field.

Being the first major athletics meet of the season for men’s javelin – featuring the Olympic gold and silver medallists, former Olympic and world champions, and the current world champion – the...

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