India’s golden boy of athletics, Neeraj Chopra, delivered yet another masterclass in the javelin throw at the Paris Diamond League 2025, registering a season-best throw of 88.16 meters on his very first attempt. With this phenomenal performance, Chopra clinched his first Diamond League victory in two years, marking a significant comeback on the international stage.
One Throw to Rule Them All
The Paris crowd witnessed something special at Stade Charléty on Friday night as Chopra, unfazed and focused, let loose a monstrous 88.16m throw in his opening attempt. That throw turned out to be unbeatable for the rest of the field, including tough rivals Julian Weber and Anderson Peters.
Germany’s Julian Weber, who had beaten Neeraj at the Doha leg of the Diamond League earlier this season, came close with a second-best throw of 87.88m. But it wasn’t enough this time. Meanwhile, Brazil’s Luiz Mauricio da Silva secured the third spot with a new personal best of 86.62m, a notable milestone for the rising South American star.
For Neeraj, the Paris win was particularly significant, as it ended a streak of back-to-back defeats to Weber in the last two encounters this season. This was Chopra’s first win over Weber in 2025, making the victory even sweeter for the Olympic champion.
Anderson Peters Off-Color in Paris
Grenada’s Anderson Peters, a former world champion and one of Chopra’s fiercest rivals, failed to rise to the occasion in Paris. His best throw of the night was 80.29m, coming after a lackluster start with 77.89m. Peters’ struggle with rhythm and technique was evident, and he never looked in contention for the top two spots.
Diamond League 2025: Mid-Season Momentum
The Paris leg marked the 8th of 15 meetings in the Diamond League 2025 season. With the final scheduled for August 27–28 in Zurich, Switzerland, Chopra’s Paris triumph places him in a strong position heading into the second half of the season.
This victory not only boosts his confidence but also sends a strong message to his competitors ahead of the World Athletics Championships and the Zurich Diamond League Final.
Next Up: Ostrava and the Neeraj Chopra Classic
Neeraj Chopra’s next appearance is scheduled for June 24 at the Ostrava Golden Spike 2025 in the Czech Republic. It’s one of the prestigious track and field events where elite athletes gather, and all eyes will be on the Indian superstar as he looks to maintain his form.
Following that, Chopra is set to compete on home soil at the Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru on July 5. The Bengaluru meet, named after the Olympic gold medallist himself, is expected to be a celebration of Indian athletics, and fans are eagerly waiting to witness their hero live in action.
Neeraj’s 2025 So Far: A Story of Resilience
So far, 2025 has been a mix of highs and learnings for Neeraj. His performance in Doha, where he narrowly lost to Weber, had raised questions about his rhythm. But like a true champion, Chopra bounced back in style in Paris, reminding everyone why he’s considered one of the greatest javelin throwers of the current era.
His ability to deliver under pressure, especially in his first attempt, is what separates him from the rest. With a packed schedule ahead and the Olympics 2028 in Los Angeles slowly entering the horizon, Neeraj is peaking at the right time.
Key Takeaways:
- Neeraj Chopra wins Paris Diamond League 2025 with 88.16m throw.
- Beats Julian Weber for the first time this season.
- Anderson Peters finishes outside the top three with 80.29m.
- Luiz Mauricio da Silva records personal best (86.62m).
- Next events: Ostrava Golden Spike (June 24) & Neeraj Chopra Classic (July 5, Bengaluru).
