India’s javelin star Neeraj Chopra secured the gold medal in the men’s javelin throw at the Paavo Nurmi Games 2024 with a throw of 85.97 meters here on Tuesday. This win adds another accolade to his impressive career, as he continues to dominate the field on his path to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Finland’s Toni Keranen claimed silver with a personal best of 84.19 meters, while compatriot Oliver Helander, who previously bested Neeraj at the same event two years ago, took bronze with 83.96 meters. Anderson Peters of Grenada, a two-time world champion, finished fourth with 82.58 meters.
Neeraj, the reigning world and Olympic champion, displayed consistent form throughout the competition. His series of throws were 83.62m, 83.45m, 85.97m, 82.21m, X, and 82.97m. Despite a strong start, he was momentarily overtaken by Helander, but he reclaimed the lead with his third attempt and maintained it until the end.
The victory follows Neeraj’s earlier performances this year, including a second-place finish at the Doha Diamond League and a gold at the Federation Cup in Bhubaneswar. After a brief setback due to a muscle tweak, Neeraj returned to competition in Turku with remarkable fortitude.
Germany’s 19-year-old sensation Max Dehning, the youngest to surpass the 90-meter mark, finished seventh with 79.84 meters, while Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott, the 2012 Olympic champion, placed sixth with a season-best of 81.93 meters.
The event saw notable absences, including Tokyo 2020 silver medalist Jakub Vadlejch and World Championships silver medalist Arshad Nadeem, who withdrew from the meet.
Neeraj’s win at the Paavo Nurmi Games marks another personal milestone as he gears up for the upcoming Olympics, reinforcing his status as one of the top contenders in the sport. UNI BDN SSP
