Neeraj Chopra, India’s javelin ace, continues to make the country proud with his stellar performances on the global stage. After clinching the top spot at the Paris Diamond League 2025, Chopra gears up for his next challenge at the prestigious Golden Spike Athletics meet in Ostrava, Czech Republic. Scheduled for Tuesday, this event provides Chopra with another opportunity to test his form and fine-tune his skills as he builds toward the season’s biggest target—the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September.
Chopra, who finally breached the elusive 90m mark earlier this year, remains focused on steady progress rather than chasing big numbers at every meet. The 27-year-old athlete from Haryana acknowledged his coach, legendary javelin thrower Jan Zelezny, for playing a pivotal role in his recent successes. “I am really happy to work with such a great athlete and coach. I’ve already thrown 90m this year after a little bit more improvement in technique. So let’s see when it comes next time but I am ready,” Chopra stated during a media interaction ahead of the Ostrava meet.
His confidence stems not just from his personal record but also from the rigorous training sessions he completed in Nymburk, Czech Republic. Chopra believes that this preparation will help him deliver a strong performance in Ostrava. “Recently we’ve done good training in Nymburk so I’ll do my best here in Ostrava,” he said.
Chopra makes no secret about his primary focus this season—the World Championships in Tokyo. “Main goal for the season is obviously World Championships in Tokyo,” Chopra affirmed. With the event scheduled between September 13 and 21, he aims to peak at the right moment and script history once again.
For Chopra, competing in Ostrava carries special meaning. The meet has hosted athletics icons like Usain Bolt, and Chopra grew up watching videos of Bolt’s performances there. “When I was a kid, I watched a lot of videos and photos of athletes like Usain Bolt competing here. I came last year but I didn’t compete because of injury,” Chopra reminisced. Now, injury-free and in great shape, he relishes the opportunity to add his name to the list of stars who have dazzled in Ostrava. Yet, Chopra remains grounded. “Now I feel good, but I don’t want to put any pressure on myself for 90m. But I’ll try really hard,” he promised.
The partnership between Chopra and Zelezny has grown stronger with each passing competition. Zelezny’s expertise has helped Chopra polish his technique and manage the mental side of competing at the highest level. Chopra shared an amusing memory from the Doha Diamond League, where despite achieving his first-ever 90m-plus throw, he finished second behind Germany’s Julian Weber. “When I competed at Diamond League in Doha, there were a lot of Indian people who wanted to take pictures with Jan. And sometimes it gets very intense so I was a bit worried about him. But he left to the hotel quickly,” Chopra recalled with a smile.
Zelezny, a javelin legend in his own right, praised Chopra for raising the profile of javelin in India and inspiring athletes worldwide. “I am happy about the situation. It’s important for javelin and throws in general as athletics is not only about sprints. Neeraj opened the doors to other countries, it’s great for our sport,” said Zelezny.
Chopra also looks forward to a key event on home soil. On July 5, he will take part in his first serious international-level competition in India, where he will face athletes from around the world. “This will be my first really serious competition in India with international athletes, on July 5. I still have to manage a lot of things before competition but it will be a good experience,” Chopra said.
Grateful for the support he receives from fans at home and abroad, Chopra appreciates how athletics has gained recognition in India beyond the dominant shadow of cricket. “So now it would not be good if I would say no to people. And I’m happy that now in India people recognise other sports than cricket,” Chopra added.
Neeraj Chopra’s journey so far in 2025 reflects the maturity of an athlete who knows when to push and when to hold back. He does not let the weight of expectations cloud his mind. Instead, he focuses on one event at a time, learning from every competition and working closely with his coach to perfect his art. His breakthrough 90m throw this year has lifted a major psychological barrier. But for Chopra, that throw represents just another step in the pursuit of greatness rather than an end goal.
Fans in India and around the world will watch Chopra’s performance in Ostrava closely. The Golden Spike meet provides him with a crucial platform to gauge his form against top global competitors. With every competition, Chopra not only sharpens his skills but also carries forward the hopes of a nation eager to see him triumph at the World Championships in Tokyo.
As Chopra steps onto the field in Ostrava, he carries with him not just his javelin but also the dreams of millions. His story symbolizes the rise of Indian athletics on the world stage. Whether it’s Paris, Ostrava, or Tokyo, Chopra approaches each meet with determination, humility, and the drive to excel. The world will watch as he continues to script new chapters in his remarkable journey.
