Neeraj Chopra Aims for Diamond League Glory Before World Championship Battle

Neeraj Chopra is no stranger to the podium. The two-time Olympic champion, however, hasn't lifted a major title since his triumph at the World Championships in Budapest in 2023. The Diamond League Final in Zurich now offers India's golden boy a chance to end that drought, as he arrives as the clear favourite in a seven-man field on Thursday, August 28.

Neeraj, who etched history as the first Indian to win the prestigious Diamond Trophy in 2022, has had to settle for second place in the last two editions. After conquering the world in Budapest in 2023, he went into the Paris Olympics as the man to beat. But this time it was Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem who edged him out, forcing the Indian ace to finish with a silver medal.

Now, with two major events crammed into a matter of weeks—the Diamond League Final and the World Championships - Neeraj is chasing more than just titles. His sights are firmly set on pushing his own limits, continuing a relentless pursuit of progress and perfection that has defined his career.

Few athletes have been as consistent as Neeraj over the last two Olympic cycles. With podium finishes in each of his last 36 appearances at the elite level, he has turned winning into a habit. Since that unforgettable gold-medal throw in Tokyo, the javelin star has crossed 88 metres on 19 occasions - a staggering measure of his dominance and consistency in men's javelin.

EVER-IMPROVING NEERAJ

The number that once defined him, though, is finally behind him. Earlier this year in Doha, Neeraj became the first Indian to breach the magical 90m mark. It was a moment of vindication after years of expectation. "I was waiting so long for 90m," he admitted. "People have been asking me about it since I threw 88m in 2018. It was always in my head. Now, it's over. I am happy that people are no longer asking this question."

But for Neeraj, Doha was not a finish line - it was a starting point. "I really want to throw more and more consistently over 90m," he said. "It was early in the season, and my focus has been on zoning in on good technique. In training, I am doing really good with my coach Jan elezn. I want to ensure I compete with the same technique in competition."

Technique is the obsession that drives him forward. Even his best throws, he insists, leave room for improvement. "In Doha, the throw was good, but I won't say my technique was perfect. If my left leg can be straighter and if I use the perfect block, that will be a really good throw. Then I will be satisfied with the speed," he explained.

Jan Zelezny's influence looms large in Neeraj's evolution, particularly when it comes to refining the finer points of his craft. Training under the Czech legend - the man who has crossed 90 metres more times than anyone in history - is, for Neeraj, a privilege.

"When Jan competed, he was on another level," Neeraj reflected.

"I have looked up how to manage pressure and be consistent. He always said, 'technique is my biggest weapon'. I really try to understand what he tells me during training, so I want to follow these things."

THE CHALLENGES IN ZURICH

Even the weather is part of his quest for mastery. Zurich is forecast to be wet and unpredictable, but Neeraj shrugs off the forecast.

"I really like to throw in every condition," he said. "Tail wind is good, head wind is brutal, but it is the same for everyone. We need to stay focused mentally."

Neeraj will face stern tests in Zurich, with defending champion Anderson Peters and world leader Julian Weber both in the mix. Yet the Indian ace looks determined to climb back to the top step of the podium and carry the Diamond Trophy into the World Championships.

Since breaching the 90m barrier in Doha in May, Neeraj has been steady. He claimed the Paris Diamond League with an 88.16m throw, outgunning Weber, and tuned up for Zurich by winning the NC Classic in Bengaluru with 86.18m in demanding conditions. Having skipped two Diamond League meets earlier this month, he now arrives refreshed and focused.

WHO ARE NEERAJ'S COMPETITORS?

Neeraj will not have it easy in Zurich, with a field stacked with pedigree and proven big-event performers. Local hope Simon Wieland (SB: 79.33m) may lack the firepower of the others, but the rest of the pack bring serious credentials. Moldova's Andrian Mardare (82.38m) is a steady presence, while Kenya's Julius Yego - the 2015 world champion - has rediscovered form with an 84.51m season best. The line-up also includes 2012 Olympic champion - Trinidad and Tobago's Keshorn Walcott, who has thrown 86.30m this year.

Grenada's Anderson Peters, the 2019 and 2022 world champion, is capable of stepping up at the big stage despite a modest season with his best throw at 85.64m.

The man to watch, though, is Germany's Julian Weber, this year's world leader with 91.06m, who will push Neeraj (90.23m) hardest for the Diamond Trophy.

JAVELIN FIELD; DL FINAL IN ZURICH

Simon Wieland (Switzerland) - SB: 79.33m | PB: 79.44m

Adrian Mardare (Moldova) - SB: 82.38m | PB: 86.66m

Julius Yego (Kenya) - SB: 84.51m | PB: 92.72m

Keshorn Walcott (Trinidad & Tobago) - SB: 86.30m | PB: 90.16m

Anderson Peters (Grenada) - SB: 85.64m | PB: 93.07m

Julian Weber (Germany) - SB: 91.06m | PB: 91.06m

Neeraj Chopra (India) - SB: 90.23m | PB: 90.23m