Defending champion Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem have both qualified for the men’s javelin throw final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Wednesday, setting the stage for another high-profile clash between the two rivals.
Chopra Cruises Through in First Attempt
Chopra, calm and composed as ever, needed just one throw to confirm his place in the final. His opening attempt of 84.85m went past the automatic qualification mark of 84.50m, underlining his trademark consistency at major competitions.
This marks the fifth consecutive global event where Chopra has secured a spot in the final with his very first attempt — a streak that began at the Tokyo Olympics 2021, continued at the World Championships in 2022 and 2023, and the Paris Olympics in 2024.
At 27, Chopra is looking to defend the world title he won in Budapest two years ago, when his throw of 88.17m made him India’s first-ever world champion in athletics. He also enters the final as the holder of India’s national record — 90.23m, set earlier this season in Doha.
Nadeem Battles His Way Through
Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, the 2023 World silver medallist and reigning Olympic champion, had a much tougher route to the final. After opening with modest throws of 76.99m and 74.17m, Nadeem found his rhythm just in time. On his third and final attempt, he launched the javelin to 85.28m, comfortably clearing the qualification mark and securing his spot among the top 12.
Nadeem will now be eyeing a repeat of his sensational performance at the Paris Olympics 2024, where he stunned the world with a monumental throw of 92.97m to clinch gold, leaving Chopra in second place with 89.45m.
India’s Rising Talent Joins the Mix
Adding to India’s strength in the competition, Sachin Yadav delivered a career-best display to advance into the final. Competing in Group A, Yadav began with 80.16m and improved to 83.67m, finishing 10th overall to secure his spot.
However, not all Indian throwers made it through. Rohit Yadav (77.81m) and Yash Vir Singh (77.51m) were unable to meet the qualification standard and missed out.
Other Contenders to Watch
Germany’s Julian Weber produced one of the standout performances of the day. After opening with 82.29m, he followed up with a season-best throw of 87.21m, firmly establishing himself as a leading contender. Brazil’s Luiz da Silva, currently among the world’s top-ranked throwers alongside Weber, also advanced comfortably.
Final Showdown Awaits
With Chopra’s flawless consistency, Nadeem’s fighting spirit, and Weber’s strong form, the men’s javelin throw final promises to be a thrilling contest. Fans around the globe are eagerly anticipating another chapter in the Chopra-Nadeem rivalry.
The final is scheduled for Thursday at 3:53pm IST.
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