Indian javelin throw star Neeraj Chopra delivered his best performance in more than a year, but on Friday in the Lausanne Diamond League, emerging Sri Lankan star Ramesh Pathirage denied him the gold medal by a margin of just 9 centimeters. Chopra threw 88.05 meters in his second attempt, which was his best performance. This helped the 28-year-old Indian finish second among 9 competitors. This was his best throw of this season. In fact, this was Chopra’s best performance since June last year. At that time, he had thrown 88.16 meters on his way to winning the Paris Diamond League. But 23-year-old Pathirage maintained his dominance this season and overtook Chopra with a throw of 88.14 meters in his third attempt. However, by securing second place, Chopra has further strengthened his chances of qualifying for the Diamond League Final. In the rankings for the Diamond League Final to be held at the end of the year, he has moved up from seventh place to within the top five. Grenada’s Anderson Peters took third place with a distance of 86.69 meters in his sixth and final attempt. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s current world champion Keshorn Walcott had to settle for fourth place with a best throw of 83.71 meters. World Championship bronze medalist USA’s Curtis Thompson finished sixth with 78.13 meters, while Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Czech Republic’s Jakub Vadlejch finished seventh with 77.32 meters.
Chopra later said that there was a keen contest between him and Pathirage for the top spot. He said – I couldn’t even feel that it was just a 9 cm gap. It was a very small gap, but I am satisfied with the 88-meter throw. To be honest, I didn’t feel that my throw had gone to 88 meters. I was feeling very easy. I had worked hard and then focused on my technique. Chopra also said – After every competition, I feel that I am gradually improving my performance. Chopra’s chances of securing a place in the Diamond League final to be held in Brussels on September 4 and 5 have increased. The top six ranked players will participate in this competition. Pathirage and Peters have already qualified for it. Meanwhile, another Diamond League competition will be held on August 27.
