Neeraj Chopra's opponents for Zurich Diamond League Final revealed

Indian javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra is gearing up for the ultimate showdown at the Zurich Diamond League Final on August 28, where he will battle some of the world’s top throwers in a bid to reclaim the coveted title.

At 27, Neeraj Chopra, a two-time Olympic medallist and reigning world champion, has continued to impress this season. He secured his spot in the Diamond League Final in fourth place, despite competing in only two of the four qualifying meets. Chopra skipped the Brussels leg but showcased his form earlier in the year. In Doha this May, he threw 90.23m, surpassing the 90-metre mark, and finished second behind Germany’s Julian Weber. He made a strong comeback at the Paris meet in June, claiming a big victory with a throw of 88.16m.

Chopra’s most recent outing was on home soil at the NC Classic in Bengaluru on July 5, where he threw 86.18m to take the title. Over the course of the season, he has competed in six events, emerging victorious in four and finishing runner-up in the other two.

The Zurich Final will see Chopra face stiff



competition from some of the biggest names in the javelin world. Among them is two-time defending Diamond League champion Anderson Peters, Germany’s Julian Weber, Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott, Julius Yego of Kenya, and Andrian Mardare of Moldova. Adding a local flavour, Swiss thrower Simon Wieland has also been included in the line-up.

The Diamond League is one of athletics’ most prestigious one-day competitions, with a thrilling winner-takes-all format at the finale. Champions of each of the 32 events not only take home the coveted Diamond Trophy but also earn a wild-card entry to the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo. In the men’s javelin, the prize money stands at USD 30,000 for first place, USD 12,000 for second, and USD 7,000 for third, with additional rewards announced for eight events this year, raising the stakes even higher for the finalists.

Chopra’s focus will not only be on Zurich glory but also on defending his world title at the World Championships in Tokyo from September 13 to 21, making this Diamond League Final a crucial stepping stone in his season.