Doha Diamond League 2025: Neeraj Chopra Breaks 90m Barrier but Finishes Second Behind Julian Weber

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History was made under the Doha lights on Friday night as India's Neeraj Chopra finally breached the elusive 90-metre mark in javelin, but the celebration was tempered by a dramatic finish that saw Germany's Julian Weber snatch victory in the final round of the 2025 Doha Diamond League.

Competing at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium, Chopra set the tone early with a world-leading 88.44m on his very first throw. He followed it up with a foul in the second round, but all eyes were on the third attempt - and Chopra delivered.

With a sensational heave of 90.23m, the former Olympic and World Champion not only sent the crowd into a frenzy but also entered the exclusive 90m club.

The 27-year-old became the 25th athlete in history-and only the third Asian-to cross the coveted distance. In doing so, he joined elite company including his idol and coach Jan Zelezny, Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem (92.97m), and Chinese Taipei's Chao-Tsun Cheng (91.36m).

However, just as Chopra looked set to clinch another Diamond League crown, Julian Weber produced a stunning comeback. The German thrower, who had already thrown 89.06m and 89.84m in earlier rounds, saved his best for last.

In the final attempt of the competition, Weber launched the javelin to a colossal 91.06m - a season-best - and overtook Chopra to seal a dramatic victory.

Chopra, who had managed a modest 80.56m in his fourth round and fouled his fifth attempt, could not respond in the final round, ending the night in second place despite his historic achievement.

Kishore Jena, India's second representative in the event, finished eighth overall. After starting with a below-par 68.07m, he improved to 78.60m in his second attempt before fading with a foul and a 74.80m in subsequent rounds.

While Chopra missed out on the top spot, his long-awaited 90m throw marked a defining moment in his career, reinforcing his position as one of the greatest javelin throwers of the modern era - and a true trailblazer for Indian athletics.