World Athletics Championships 2023: Neeraj qualifies for the final with 88.77m throw

New Delhi: In a remarkable display of skill and determination, India’s celebrated javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has once again affirmed his status as the ‘Golden Boy’ by clinching a spot in the men’s javelin throw final at the esteemed World Athletics Championships 2023, currently underway in Budapest, Hungary.

The global stage of the World Athletics Championships, a pinnacle event in the realm of athletics, has taken center stage in the Hungarian capital, captivating audiences with top-tier performances from the world’s finest athletes. The championship, spanning from August 19 to 27, has witnessed a convergence of sporting excellence on an international scale.

Neeraj Chopra, adorned with the resplendent gold medal from the Olympics, took to the Group A Qualifier with unwavering determination. In a monumental first attempt, Neeraj orchestrated a staggering throw, covering an impressive distance of 88.77 meters. This extraordinary feat not only propelled him beyond the coveted qualifying benchmark of 83.00 meters but also etched his name into the annals of the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing his place on that grand stage.

Radiating his formidable prowess, Neeraj, the reigning world’s top-ranked javelin thrower, chose to forgo his second and third attempts, affirming his confidence in his monumental first throw. This strategic decision highlights his mastery and assurance in securing his berth in the much-anticipated final.

In this monumental quest for excellence, Neeraj is accompanied by his compatriots DP Manu and Kishore Jena, who are set to compete in Group B, amplifying India’s formidable presence on the global athletics scene. The Indian contingent, comprising 27 athletes participating across 15 events, has showcased an unwavering commitment to sporting excellence, capturing the spirit of the nation’s athletic aspirations.

Neeraj Chopra’s trajectory to greatness is punctuated by a string of remarkable victories, having secured gold medals at prestigious events such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and the Asian Games. His triumphant journey is further adorned with the accolade of being the Diamond League winner, further cementing his stature as an icon in the world of sports.

Aug 25, 2023 02:15 PM IST: Manu is placed third on his second attempt

What a comeback for Dp Manu on this second attempt! He is able to cross 80m with a 81.31 throw this time.

Aug 25, 2023 02:10 PM IST: Here’s how Group A currently stands

1. Neeraj (India) – 88.77m

2. Weber (Germany) – 81.05m

3. Kuusela (Finland) – 79.27m

4. Dean (Japan) – 78.21m

5. Manu (India) – 78.10m

6. Peters (Grenada) – 78.02m

7. Gailums (Latvia) – 77.20

8. Ogura (Japan) – 76.65

9. Weger (Poland) – 76.50

10. Williamson (USA) – 76.10m

11. Thompson (USA) – 72.46m

12. Sosaia (France) – 68.23m

13. Rodrigues (Brazil – x, 67.11m

14. Ramos (Portugal) – 66.02m

15. Smit (South Africa) – 64.29m

– Yego (Kenya) – x

– Cakss (Latvia) – x

– Walcott (Trinidad and Tobago) – x

Aug 25, 2023, 02:01 PM IST: It is Neeraj’s turn

Wow, Neeraj’s jog was effortless and his throw was incredible! He achieved his season best with a massive distance of 88.77 meters!

Aug 25, 2023, 01:59 PM IST: Manu is fourth 

DP Manu is fourth now. He doesn’t breach the 80m mark and gets 78.10 m.

Aug 25, 2023, 01:55 PM IST: Weber is leading

The current leader in the throwing competition is Weber, who achieved an impressive distance of 81.05m. Kuusela holds the second position with a throw of 79.27m, while Japan’s Dean follows closely with 78.21m. Ogura secures the fourth spot, having thrown 76.65m, and Thompson from the USA is in fifth place with 72.46m. France’s Sosaia is in sixth position with a throw of 68.23m.

Aug 25, 2023, 01:48 PM IST:  Group A qualification has started

In his first attempt, Kuusela started with a distance of 79.7m. Following him, Japan’s Oogura recorded a distance of 76.65m, going below 80m.

#WorldAthleticsChamps #Budapest2023

It’s Neeraj Chopra time in Budapest.

Men’s javelin qualification today.

Group A: 1.40 pm IST (Neeraj goes last, DP Manu 14th)
Group B: 3.15 pm IST (Kishore Jena 6th)

83.00 for automatic qualification to the final. pic.twitter.com/abGiWFynqe

— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) August 25, 2023