Neeraj Chopra bags Silver, breaking own National record at Paavo Nurmi Games

With a new national record throw of 89.30 metres, India's star Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has hit another milestone on Tuesday at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland.

It was Neeraj's first competitive event since winning a historic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Neeraj's record-breaking throw not only helped him finish second in the competition but also made him reach the fifth spot on the world season leaders' list. Oliver Helander, the event's local favourite, topped the list with a throw of 89.83 metres.

"I am pleased with my performance. It was my first event of the season, so I am happy to have started the season on a high note. My performance here has boosted my confidence significantly," Neeraj said when asked about his performance.

"Going forward am looking to work on my technique, throw, and overall performance. I am in a happy place at the moment and just want to do well in the upcoming events," the golden boy of India continued.

Neeraj's previous national record was 88.07m, which he set in March 2021 in Patiala. A few months later, on August 7, 2021, Neeraj went on to become the first Indian player to win an Olympic gold medal in athletics with a throw of 87.58m. He is the only second Indian player, after Abhinav Bindra, to win an individual gold medal in the Summer Games.

In his first attempt, Neeraj reached 86.92m before propelling the spear to 89.30m in his second attempt. The 24-year-old's next three tries were all fouls. In his sixth and last throw, he threw his spear 85.85 metres.

Meanwhile, reigning world champion Anderson Peters. finished third with a throw of 86.60m. The Paavo Nurmi Games, a gold event in the World Athletics Continental Tour, is one of the biggest track-and-field competitions outside the Diamond League.