Neeraj Chopra relieved to have finally crossed 90m in Doha, admits technique must be improved

Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra said he was relieved to finally break the 90 metre mark during the Doha Diamond League but admits that there is still some work to do with regard to his technique.

The Paris Olympics silver medallist threw a 90.23m in his third attempt on the night in Qatar, but finished behind Germany’s Julian Weber who recorded 91.06m.

“I was waiting a long time for 90 metres. I’m happy that this question will no longer be asked. Since I threw 88 metres in 2018, everyone has been asking me when I will throw 90 metres. It was always in my head.

“I really want to throw over 90 metres more consistently. It was early in the season. I am still trying to find the best technique. I am doing well in training, but I need to focus on it during competitions,” he said in the press conference ahead of the Diamond League Final.

Chopra said the record-breaking throw in Doha wasn’t ideal in terms of technique, suggesting that there was some improvement to be made to make it a ‘perfect’ throw.

“In Doha, the 90m throw was really good, but technically, I don’t want to say that was perfect. If my left leg is straight and if I use perfect block, that will be really good throw and then I will be satisfied with my speed,” he added.

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The reigning World Champion has been training under Jan Zelezny since February and said that he has been able to tap into his vast experience.

“I learned from him (Zelezny) how to stay calm under pressure and still be consistent. He threw 90m-plus more than 50 times. He was really on another level.

“I also follow him, seeing how he handled pressure. He once said technique was his biggest weapon. I’m not at his level. I’m trying to improve my technique,” he added.

The Indian athlete will be looking to reclaim the Diamond League title in Zurich this week, which he last won in 2022. He finished as the runner-up in both the subsequent years.

Published on Aug 27, 2025