Neeraj Chopra Wins Ostrava Golden Spike But Eyes Improved Performance

Neeraj Chopra triumphed at the Ostrava Golden Spike, a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event, securing the title with an 85.29m throw. However, the Olympic champion expressed a desire for a better performance, despite clinching victory in his debut appearance at the meet.

Neeraj Chopra celebrates his victory at the Ostrava Golden Spike event.

Chopra led the field of nine athletes with his winning throw in the third round. His series included a foul on his first attempt, followed by 83.45m in the second round. His subsequent throws measured 82.17m and 81.01m, and a foul in the final round.

"I am not that happy with my performance today, but I am very happy with the trophy I won," Chopra stated. "I used to watch this meeting a lot as a kid. I watched people like Jan Zelezny and Usain Bolt winning the Golden Spike, and I dreamt of winning one as well. Now the dream has come true."

The javelin thrower acknowledged the enthusiastic support from the Czech crowd. "I know the javelin throw is very popular in Czechia. The amount of support we were getting from the crowd was crazy. I just wish I could have performed better for them," he said. He had previously exceeded the 90m mark at the Doha Diamond League in May, where he finished second.

The 27-year-old is coming off a Diamond League victory in Paris and will next compete at the NC Classic in Bengaluru on July 5, facing competitors such as Anderson Peters and Thomas Rohler.

Despite not meeting his personal expectations, Chopra's performance was enough to secure the Golden Spike title.