Neeraj Chopra, disappointed after missing by just 2 cm in Diamond League, won hearts with this statement

Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra is 'not happy' after finishing second in the javelin throw event in his first Diamond League event of the year. The Indian star produced his best throw in his sixth and final attempt in Doha but missed the top spot by just 0.2 meters. Chopra's best throw was 88.36m and he finished behind Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic, who finished first with a best effort of 88.38m.

Neeraj told NNIS that, to be honest, I thought I could throw beyond 88 meters, but it did not happen. I'm happy with the fact that I was consistent in my throws, but not in my attempts. My first throw was very bad (foul). This was my first competition, the good thing is that despite my body not being at its peak, I could throw the javelin 88 meters. There are more competitions coming up, so I will work hard and prepare for the next competition. I will play three to four competitions before the Paris Olympics.

Neeraj looked confident of achieving the 90-meter throw. He said that today I felt that I could do it, but somehow I could not. Maybe God wants me to do it somewhere else. But, I am happy with my consistent performance and I will throw more than 90m.

Talking about his growing rivalry with Jacob, who finished behind Neeraj at the Tokyo Olympics and Eugene finished third at the World Championships. Neeraj said that it was a good competition with Jacob, I was just 2 cm behind. It feels good when there is a good competition. We motivate each other to perform better in upcoming competitions.

This will be Neeraj Chopra's first domestic tournament in three years as he will be competing in the Federation Cup beginning on May 12. Prior to the Tokyo Olympics, in 2021, Neeraj participated in the Federation Cup. As the first Indian to win an Olympic gold medal in athletics, javelin thrower Neeraj left his mark.