Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra is set to kick off his 2026 season at the Doha Diamond League on Friday. The Indian javelin star has been absent from competition since the World Championships in September last year due to a back injury. After months of rehabilitation and training, Chopra is ready to return against a top-tier field in Qatar.
Strong Competition in Doha
The 28-year-old will face a formidable men's javelin event, including reigning world champion Keshorn Walcott, two-time world champion Anderson Peters, and Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, who recently made headlines with a massive 92.62m throw, the world's best this season.
Special Venue for Chopra
Doha holds special significance for Chopra. It was here in May last year that he first crossed the 90m mark, recording a throw of 90.23m. The Doha Diamond League was originally scheduled for May 8 as the season opener but was postponed due to the West Asia conflict.
Training and Comeback
Chopra has been training in Switzerland since May 25 after completing rehabilitation in Turkiye. He was added to the nine-man field late after confirming his fitness. The two-time Olympic medalist aims to quickly find his rhythm and make a strong season start despite the lengthy layoff.
Live Streaming and Timing
- When: Neeraj Chopra competes at the Doha Diamond League on June 19.
- Time: The men's javelin throw event begins at 11:14 PM IST.
- Where to Watch: Live action on the Wanda Diamond League YouTube channel.
- Online Updates: Follow live updates and results on TimesofIndia.com.
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