As Neeraj Chopra celebrates his 28th birthday, Indian athletics looks back at a year that was as inspiring as it was testing - both for the sport and its
biggest icon. In a season clouded by renewed doping concerns and growing administrative challenges, Chopra's long-awaited breach of the 90-metre barrier stood out as a defining high point, reaffirming his stature as India's greatest-ever track and field athlete.
Chopra's 2025 campaign began with mixed fortunes. While consistency remained his hallmark, the year finally delivered the moment fans had eagerly awaited. At the Doha Diamond League, Chopra hurled his javelin beyond 90 metres, shaking off what he had often referred to as a mental and technical barrier.
A few months later, he bettered that mark with a stunning 90.23m throw, becoming only the third Asian and the 25th javelin thrower in history to cross the elite distance.
Away from the field, Chopra also entered a new phase of life. One of India's most admired sporting figures, he married tennis player Himani Mor in a private ceremony at a secluded resort in Himachal Pradesh. True to his understated personality, the news emerged only after Chopra shared pictures from the wedding on social media, drawing widespread goodwill and admiration.
On the competitive front, Chopra added three significant titles to his resume - a 2nd place-finish at the Paris Diamond League, the Golden Spike meet, and the inaugural NC Classic. Hosting the Neeraj Chopra Classic in front of home fans and family was a deeply personal milestone, fulfilling his long-held ambition of bringing a world-class athletics event to Indian soil.
However, the season was not without setbacks. Chopra narrowly missed reclaiming the Diamond League Finals crown, finishing second behind Germany's Julian Weber. More surprisingly, the World Championships in Tokyo - held at the venue of his Olympic gold in 2021 - proved difficult. Battling back pain, the defending champion bowed out in eighth place with a best effort of 84.03m, ending his remarkable four-year run of top-two finishes at global events. Young compatriot Yadav outshone him on the day, finishing fourth with 86.27m.
Despite the rare disappointment, Chopra's broader record remains extraordinary. Since his Olympic triumph, he has finished either first or second in 24 international competitions and was recently promoted within the Territorial Army. As he turns 28, Chopra's 2025 stands as a reminder that even legends evolve - overcoming barriers, embracing change, and continuing to inspire a nation.
