Neeraj falls short in Tokyo, vows stronger return

Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra admitted his season did not end the way he had envisioned, after finishing a disappointing eighth at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The star javelin thrower, however, promised to return stronger following a much-needed break.

The defending champion, battling persistent back pain, managed a best throw of 84.03m before bowing out in the fifth round of the finals on Thursday. While revealing that the injury had troubled him since the start of the month, Chopra was quick to clarify that he did not wish to use it as an excuse for his performance.

“It’s not how I had hoped to end the season. I wanted to give my best for India despite all the challenges, but it wasn’t my night,” Chopra wrote on social media platform X.

The 27-year-old was gracious in applauding debutant Sachin Yadav, whose personal-best throw of 86.27m earned him an impressive fourth-place finish, narrowly missing the podium. Chopra also congratulated eventual medallists Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago (88.16m), Grenada’s Anderson Peters (87.38m), and American Curtis Thompson (86.67m).

“Grateful for all your support. This only makes me more determined to come back stronger,” the two-time Olympic medallist added, reaffirming his intent to bounce back next season.