Chopra set to kick off 2024 season in Doha Diamond League

DOHA: Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra is gearing up to launch his 2024 athletics campaign with the highly anticipated Doha Diamond League meet in May. Chopra, renowned as the reigning world champion in men’s javelin throw, made history as the first Indian athlete to clinch victory in the Diamond League back in 2022.

Chopra, who secured a commendable second-place finish in the Diamond League last season, is poised to renew his rivalry with Czech javelin thrower Jakub Vadlejch, the Tokyo 2020 silver medalist, at the Qatar Sports Club on May 10. Additionally, former world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada adds further excitement to the showdown. Notably, Chopra triumphed over both Vadlejch and Peters in Doha during the previous season.

Joining Chopra on the field is his compatriot Kishore Jena, making his Diamond League debut in the men’s javelin throw competition. Both athletes last showcased their prowess at the Hangzhou Asian Games, where Chopra successfully defended his title while Jena settled for silver.

The competition promises to be fierce, with notable contenders including European champion Julian Weber of Germany, World Championships finalist Oliver Helander representing Finland, and Japan’s Roderick Genki Dean, the Asian Championships gold medalist, all vying for victory.

The 2024 Diamond League series kicks off in Xiamen, China, on April 20, culminating with the final event in Brussels in September.