Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra finally made a comeback to competition in javelin throw with a gold medicine at 85.97m at the Paavo Nurmi Games 2024. Against a strong field of eight athletes that included headline boy Anderson Peters, Max Dehning, Keshorn Walcott, Oliver Helander, Andrian Mardare, Lassi Etelätalo—added to that was home favorite Toni Keränen—Chopra began steadily, opening at 83.62m.
Though he was soon overtaken by local favorite Oliver Helander with an 83.96-meter throw in the second round, Chopra was soon to restrict this domination. He hit back in great style with a mighty throw of 85.97 meters in his third attempt, restoring his position at the top. His trademark celebration resonated all across the stadium as he expressed his elation and satisfaction.
Consistent as ever, Chopra came up with an effective throw of 82.21 meters in the fourth round. With some sense of tactics, he decided to foul his fifth attempt too after collapsing way short of 80 meters — thus saving energy and keeping the mind free for what was going to come. With his gold already sealed, Chopra cranked it up once again; a sea of green celebrated a glittering final throw of 82.87 meters and a resounding win in his comeback form.
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