Bittersweet But Happy: Neeraj Chopra Reacts After Breaking 90m Barrier in Doha Diamond League

Neeraj Chopra finally shattered the elusive 90-metre barrier in men's javelin at the Doha Diamond League, delivering a sensational personal best and national record.

However, the moment of triumph turned bittersweet as Germany's Julian Weber edged past him with a last-round throw of 91.06 metres to clinch the top spot.

Chopra began strong, launching his first attempt to a world-leading 88.44 metres before producing a stunning 90.23 metres in the third round-his best-ever performance and a historic mark for Indian athletics. But Weber's dramatic final effort stole the show and the win.

Reflecting on the outcome, Chopra expressed mixed emotions. "It is a little bit bittersweet result. I am very happy for the 90m, but this second place - it actually happened to me also when I competed in Turku and Stockholm. I threw 89.94, and I was always second. And also here. I broke the national record and got second today. But I am very happy also for Julian Weber. He threw 91, so we both broke 90m for the first time today. We have been trying this for so many years, so finally, we managed to get it," he said.

Chopra also touched on past struggles, revealing how a lingering groin issue had limited his potential in previous seasons. "I was always feeling something in my groin in the last few years. I did not give my best because of that. This year, I feel much better," he noted.

Now eyeing the upcoming World Championships, Chopra remains confident of pushing his limits further. "We will also work on some aspects, and so I believe I can throw more than 90m in the upcoming events this year," he added.

The Doha performance was particularly special as it marked the first time an Indian javelin thrower has crossed 90 metres in an international event, breaking Chopra's previous national record of 89.94m set in Stockholm in 2022.

A key factor behind this breakthrough is Chopra's new coach, Jan Zelezny-the legendary Czech thrower and triple Olympic gold medallist-who recently took over from Dr. Klaus Bartonietz.

"I feel very good that Jan Zelezny is my coach now, and we worked very hard in South Africa. We are still working on a few points and are still learning some things. Normally, he does not go to the Diamond Leagues, but he came with me because he told me that today is the day to achieve 90m," Chopra shared.

As fans and experts alike celebrate his long-awaited milestone, Chopra's performance in Doha signals not just personal redemption, but the promise of even greater feats ahead in what is shaping up to be a defining season.