Tokyo: In a shock result at the Japan National Stadium, India’s javelin icon Neeraj Chopra endured one of the toughest nights of his career, finishing eighth in the men’s javelin throw final at the World Athletics Championships 2025. The 27-year-old, reigning world champion and two-time Olympic medalist, managed a best effort of 84.03m—far below his season-best—bringing an end to a glittering streak of 33 consecutive podium finishes over nearly seven years.
The evening unfolded under light drizzle, but it was Chopra’s struggles that weighed heavier. His opening attempt of 83.65m failed to inspire confidence, and despite a 82.86m throw in the fourth round, he fouled in the fifth, eliminating any chance of a comeback. Admitting to reporters afterwards, Chopra revealed he had been battling back issues in the run-up to the championship: “Two weeks ago, I had some back issues but I didn’t want to tell anyone. I thought I could manage, but javelin is unforgiving—if you’re not in good shape, you’re out.”
The highly anticipated clash between Chopra and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem—the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medalist—also fizzled out, as Nadeem bowed out early with fouls, finishing 10th. Their absence at the business end left fans disappointed, with one of the sport’s fiercest modern rivalries never materializing.
India, however, found a bright spark in 23-year-old Sachin Yadav, who placed fourth with a personal best of 86.27m. Competing in his first global final, Yadav briefly raised medal hopes with a strong fifth-round effort, underlining India’s growing depth in javelin throwing.
At the top of the podium, Grenada’s Keshorn Walcott rolled back the years with an 88.16m throw to clinch gold, edging compatriot Anderson Peters (87.45m) into silver. American Curtis Thompson (86.89m) took bronze, while Germany’s Julian Weber had to settle for fifth despite being one of the season favorites.
For Chopra, this marked his worst finish at a major event since 2018, a stark contrast to his medal-laden run—Olympic gold (Tokyo 2021), Olympic silver (Paris 2024), and world medals in Budapest (2023) and Oregon (2022). Yet, the champion was defiant: “It’s okay. I will learn from today,” he said, already setting sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics alongside legendary coach Jan Železný.
On social media, fans poured in support, acknowledging the “cycle of athlete life”—from the euphoric high of Olympic gold at this very stadium in 2021 to Thursday’s heartbreak.
As the World Athletics Championships continue through September 21, India’s 19-member contingent still has medal hopes, particularly with high jumper Sarvesh Kushare making history by reaching the final. But for now, Chopra’s stumble is a sobering reminder of sport’s fine margins—and the resilience it demands from its greatest stars.
