Paris Olympics silver medallist Neeraj Chopra is set to participate in the Lausanne Diamond League. Neeraj will lead the field on Friday, 22 August hoping to win the first Diamond League since the quadrennial event. The javelin thrower won silver in the Paris Olympics after throwing his season-best effort of 89.45m.
Alongside Neeraj, Paris bronze medallist Anderson Peters is also going to participate in Lausanne. Apart from the duo, veterans Julius Yego and Jakub Vadlejch are also going to be present in the field. Neeraj will hope to retain his Lausanne Diamond League title, having won it back-to-back in 2022 and 2023.
Lausanne Diamond League Entry List:
Neeraj Chopra
Roderick Genki
Lassi Etelatalo
Artur Felfner
Edis Matusevius
Anderson Peters
Jakub Vadlejch
Julian Weber
Julius Yego
Lausanne Diamond League: When and where to watch
The Lausanne Diamond League will be streamed on Jio Cinema from 12:30 AM onwards on August 23.
Neeraj Confirms Participation
On August 17 Neeraj Chopra confirmed his participation in the event. Having struggled with the groin injury for the better part of the 2023-24 season, it was a surprise that Neeraj jumped on the chance of defending his title.
“I have finally decided to participate in the Lausanne Diamond League, which begins August 22. Luckily, the Paris Olympics went well, and I didn’t have much difficulty with my injury. So I thought of completing the season and taking the doctor’s advice regarding treatment afterwards. At the end of September, I’ll be back in India after the season ends. I will meet the doctor for my groin issues,” Neeraj was quoted as saying by ANI.
Further speaking ahead, Chopra said that his focus these days is a lot on his injuries and hence he isn’t able to give his 100%.
“I have a lot on my mind. When I am throwing, 60-70 per cent focus of my is on the injury. I don’t want to get injured. Whenever I go for a throw, you will see that my speed is low. I am pushing myself,” he added.
Chopra finished in second position in the Men’s Javelin Throw finals in Paris Olympics with a throw of 89.45 metres. He didn’t have a great day on the field as he started with a foul but made a great comeback by achieving a massive throw of 89.45 metres in his second attempt.
The 26-year-old further had four more fouls in his remaining attempts. Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem clinched gold courtesy of his Olympic record-breaking throw of 92.97 metres.
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