Neeraj Chopra claims gold at Paavo Nurmi Games 2024

Javelin star recorded a throw of 85.97m

By Web Desk
June 19, 2024
Olympic gold medallist, Neeraj Chopra - AFP

India’s Neeraj Chopra made an outstanding comeback at the Paavo Nurmi Games 2024 in Turku, Finland, on June 8, Tuesday, with his throw of 85.97m as he won the gold medal.

The gold medallist's performance in Turku has proven to showcase his practice for the Paris Olympics next month.

In the first round of the event, he began with a throw of 83.62. then in the next round, last year’s gold medallist Oliver Helander took the lead with his throw of 83.96. The Finnish players’ lead, however, was temporary as Chopra again took the lead with his throw of 85.97m.

This was Chopra’s third event of the season. He missed the Ostrava Golden Spike athletics due to the injury.

Chopra managed six throws of 83.62m, 83.45m, 85.97m, 82.21m and 82.97m with his fifth throw ending up in a foul.

Keranen and Helander followed Chopra in the results with throws of 84.19m and 83.96m respectively.

The fourth spot was claimed by former world champion Anderson Peters with a throw of 82.58m.

Chopra had claimed a spot in the event as he participated in the Doha Diamond League in May and finished at the second spot with a throw of 88.36m.

He had withdrawn from the Ostrava Golden Spike due to a minor adductor issue. He will now participate in the Paris Diamond League on July 7.

The gold medallist has also decided to skip the National Inter-State Athletics in Panchkula to avoid a possibly hectic schedule. The event is scheduled for July 27.

The other results of the games showed Lamont Marcell Jacobs, the Olympic champion, winning the 100m (9.93 seconds).

The 110m was won by Omat McLeod, the Rio champion, in 13.83 seconds. 

Comments