'We are working on it': Neeraj Chopra discloses plans to consistently reach 90m mark; wins Paris Diamond League

Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra, fresh off his first Diamond League title in two years with an 88.16m throw in Paris on June 21, is prioritizing strengthening his core muscles. This focus is aimed at consistently achieving throws exceeding 90 meters in future international competitions. The 27-year-old Olympic medalist plans to refine his technique and enhance overall body strength as he prepares for upcoming events.

Neeraj Chopra won the Paris Diamond League with a throw of 88.16m. (Image: X)

Chopra's winning throw fell short of his personal best of 90.23m, recorded at the Doha Diamond League earlier this year, where he finished second to German rival Julian Weber. Notably, the Paris competition featured five throwers who have previously surpassed the prestigious 90m mark.

"Yes, I need some more control when I throw, like on the attack. We are working on it in training, but still, there are so many things we have to change and I need some, maybe, strong core and some more strong body for throwing," Chopra explained.

Core strength is vital in javelin throwing. It enables athletes to effectively generate and transfer power from the lower body to the upper body, directly influencing throwing distance and precision.

Chopra expressed optimism that consistency will come with time and increased competition experience. He is satisfied with his run-up, but acknowledges areas for improvement in his throwing technique.

"Like timing, because I feel really good (in the) run up, but the timing was not so good when I throw (the javelin). I go quickly left and it was not good. I need to throw to the front like with the chest and go up with the javelin. We are working on it," Chopra elaborated.

Currently training under the guidance of legendary javelin thrower Jan Zelezný, Chopra is preparing for the Ostrava Golden Spike athletic meet on June 24. The short break between competitions will allow him crucial recovery time.

His schedule also includes the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru on July 5, a World Athletics category A event.

"I will compete in Ostrava after four days on June 24. So, yes, I need some recovery. I'm very excited with this (Neeraj Chopra Classic) also. It's really something that I feel I did for my country and people are sporting. Indian people are sporting and they are following javelin (sport) after after the Tokyo Olympics, and I'm very excited. In future, I'm thinking of making this event (Neeraj Chopra Classic) big," he stated.

The Tokyo Olympic gold medalist aims to achieve another 90-plus meter throw at the upcoming World Championships.

"I'm expecting like, hoping for again some 90m throw (in world championship) because I broke that barrier in Doha. So now I believe I can do it some more... some far throws. But let's see, it's depend on the weather and good condition, how the body feels, but maybe I will throw far in this season," Chopra concluded.