Neeraj Chopra On Tokyo Disappointment: 'Not How I Hoped To End The Season'

Javelin star Neeraj Chopra has expressed his dismay at his disappointing night at the World Championships in Tokyo on Thursday (September 18), where he finished eighth in the men’s main event. Struggling with a back injury, he was outperformed by debutant compatriot Sachin Yadav, who finished fourth.

Chopra was ousted after the fifth and penultimate round with a best effort of 84.03m, finishing outside the top two at a major international event for the first time since winning gold in the 2021 Tokyo Games. Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott (88.16m) won gold, followed by Grenada’s Anderson Peters (87.38m) and Curtis Thompson (86.67m). Sachin’s first round effort of 86.27m (his personal best) earned him a deserved fourth.

“It’s not how I had

hoped to end the season, at the World Championships in Tokyo,” Chopra said on X. “I wanted to step out there and give my best for India despite all the challenges but it wasn’t my night. I’m really happy for Sachin, who threw a personal best and almost brought home a medal. Congratulations to @keshorn_walcott, @peters_oly and, @Curt_Thompson_ on their well-deserved podium places. Grateful for all your support, this only makes me determined to come back stronger,” he added.

The two-time Olympic champion revealed after the event that he has been managing a back issue for the past two weeks and undergoing rehabilitation.

The 27-year-old needed just one throw of 84.85m to secure a spot in the finals, which was expected given his form. He began with an 83.65m throw, placing him fifth, and improved to 84.03m before fouling his third attempt.

He dropped to eighth after the second round and remained in that position at the halfway mark. His fourth throw measured 82.86m, meaning he needed to surpass 85.54m and Kenya’s Julius Yego in his fifth attempt to stay in the competition.

However, Chopra fouled his fifth attempt, ending the day in disappointment. After releasing his javelin, he fell sideways, grimaced, and crossed the curved line, seeing the red flag from the official. In frustration, he tore off his waist belt, screamed, and buried his face in it momentarily before regaining his composure.