"I Need To...": Neeraj Chopra’s Honest Confession After Missing Gold In Diamond League Finals

Olympic and World Champion Neeraj Chopra had a mixed outing at the Diamond League Finals in Zurich, where he secured the second spot with a best throw of 85.01m. Despite extending his remarkable streak of 26 successive top-two finishes, the Indian star admitted he had a "hard day" on the field. Starting with throws in the early 80s and struggling with multiple fouls, Neeraj faced tough competition from Germany’s Julian Weber, who dominated with two stunning 91m-plus throws. Chopra’s final attempt saved his streak, but the champion himself acknowledged that he needs to work on “timing and run-up” ahead of the World Championships.

Neeraj Chopra’s Struggles On The Night

Neeraj opened the evening with an 84.35m throw, followed by a second attempt measuring around 82m. Unfortunately, his third, fourth, and fifth attempts all turned into fouls, casting serious doubt on his ability to finish in the top two. With pressure mounting, he held his composure and registered an 85.01m throw in his sixth and final attempt, which secured him second place and extended his impressive streak of podium finishes.

Julian Weber’s Dominance At Zurich

Germany’s Julian Weber was in unstoppable form at the Diamond League Finals. His second attempt of 91.51m set the tone for the evening, following an opening throw of 91.37m. He maintained his dominance with further attempts over 83m and 86m, eventually sealing the top spot with a massive 88.66m throw in the last round. Weber’s consistency and explosive power left the crowd stunned, and his performance overshadowed every other athlete on the night.

Weber’s performance not only handed him the Diamond League crown but also pushed Neeraj to the limit. Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago, the 2012 London Olympics champion, finished third with 84.95m, while Anderson Peters (81.41m) and Julius Yego (80.49m) settled for fourth and fifth place respectively. Neeraj’s battle with Weber is now one of the most talked-about rivalries in the javelin world, as both prepare for the upcoming World Championships.

Neeraj’s Honest Post-Match Confession

Speaking after the competition, Neeraj admitted, "Today was a hard day. There are always harder days in sports, and today was one of them. But I still managed an 85m throw in my last attempt. The run-up wasn’t ideal, the timing wasn’t there, but I have three weeks before the World Championships, and I will work on it." His candid remarks reflect the mindset of a champion who is never fully satisfied, even when he continues to dominate the world stage with consistency. Fans across India appreciated his honesty and determination, seeing it as a promise of stronger performances in upcoming tournaments.

Neeraj Chopra’s Diamond League Journey

Neeraj’s association with the Diamond League has been historic. In 2022, he became the first Indian ever to win the Diamond League Final, making history at the same Zurich venue. In 2023 and 2024, he secured two consecutive second-place finishes, proving his consistency at the highest level. The 2025 edition was another example of his resilience, as he once again finished second despite a tough evening. His streak of podium finishes has now extended across four years, placing him among the most consistent athletes in world athletics.