Defending champion Neeraj Chopra’s dream run at the World Athletics Championships ended in heartbreak on Thursday in Tokyo. The Indian javelin star, who had come to the event as one of the top favorites, could only finish in eighth place. The result shocked fans across the world, as Chopra has been one of the most consistent performers in global athletics.
The event was held at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo. It was the same venue where Neeraj Chopra made history by winning India’s first Olympic gold in athletics four years ago. But this time, things did not go his way.
Chopra managed a best throw of 84.02 meters. It was far below his personal best of 90.23 meters. The 26-year-old tried hard to find his rhythm but looked frustrated throughout the final. After being knocked out in the fifth round, he let out a roar of disappointment.
This was a rare failure in Chopra’s glittering career. For the first time in seven years, he could not win a medal at an international competition. It also ended his remarkable streak of finishing in the top two at every major event for the last four years.
A night of upsets in men’s javelin for Neeraj Chopra
It was not just Chopra who struggled. Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan also had a tough outing. The Tokyo Olympic medalist finished 10th after failing to get his throws right. His best effort was well short of his usual standards.
The men’s javelin final turned into a night of surprises, as many top names could not perform at their best. Both Chopra and Nadeem, who are seen as modern-day rivals, bowed out much earlier than expected.
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For Indian fans, the result was hard to accept. Chopra has been the face of Indian athletics and a symbol of hope. Even though this defeat was disappointing, his past achievements including Olympic medals and a World Championship gold still make him one of the greatest athletes in the country’s history.
Chopra will now aim to bounce back stronger, with the Paris Olympics on the horizon.
