Indian javelin throw sensation Neeraj Chopra secured the title at the Golden Spike Meet on Tuesday (June 25, 2025) during his first appearance at this event, marking his consecutive victory in a prestigious competition.
Following his victory at the Paris Diamond League on June 20, Chopra excelled in a competitive nine-man field in Ostrava, achieving a respectable distance of 85.29m during the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event.
Down Smit from South Africa secured second place with a throw of 84.12m in his second round, while two-time world champion Anderson Peters from Grenada finished third with his initial attempt measuring 83.63m.
He has experienced a remarkable season to date, having secured his first Diamond League title in two years in Paris, in addition to surpassing the elusive 90m mark during his second-place finish at Doha Diamond League in May.
Chopra is likely pleased to have secured the title, considering that the Golden Spike served as a successful venue for world record holder Zelezny during his competitive career. The Czench icon, now 59 years old, achieved nine titles from 1986 to 2006, several of which included throws exceeding 90 meters in his esteemed competition, which commenced in 1961.
First Indian to Win Olympic Gold in Athletics
Although this is now widely recognized, many individuals remain unaware of its historical significance. India had never secured an Olympic gold medal in track and field prior to Neeraj’s victory in Tokyo 2020 (arranged in 2021)
Aim to Lose Weight, Not Sports
Neeraj was plump child, weighing almost 90kg at the age of 12. To assist him in shedding some pounds, his family enrolled him in sports, which is how he came across javelin.
Join in the Indian Army
Neeraj enlisted in the Indian Army in 2016 through the sports quota, achieving the rank of Naib Subedar following his victory at the Junior World Championship.
Has Turned Down Movie Offers
After his Olympic gold, Neeraj received offers for biopics and endorsements, but he has turned many down to stay focused on his career and training.
India’s first Diamond League Winner
In 2022, he became the first Indian to win a Diamond League final, one of the most prestigious athletics competitions after the Olympics and World Championships.