Kolkata: Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion, returned to the javelin field with a bang on Tuesday, winning silver with a National Record throw of 89.30m at the Paavo Nurmi Games 2022 in Finland. This is also Neeraj Chopra’s new personal best, as he beat his previous best of 88.07 metres. Neeraj won the gold medal in the javelin at the Tokyo Olympics, throwing it 87.58 metres.
Neeraj Chopra takes second place at the @paavonurmigames, his first taste of competitive action since #Tokyo2020
Throw
: 86.92 m
Throw: 89.30 m (PB, NR)
Throw: X
Throw: X
Throw: X
Throw: 85.85 m #CraftingVictories
pic.twitter.com/aD5xEvwbv7
— Inspire Institute of Sport (@IIS_Vijayanagar) June 14, 2022
Congratulations to Neeraj Chopra for setting a new National Record (89.30m). The pride of India! #Javelin pic.twitter.com/KzNSD9NY6a
— CBTF Speed News (@cbtfspeednews) June 15, 2022
Neeraj, who had downplayed his ambition to shoot for the 90m barrier on his return, got off to a strong start with an 86.92m throw on his first try. Before local boy Oliver Helander found a huge 89.83m for his personal best, he even led the competition. Following this throw, the Olympic Champion responded with an Indian national record of 89.30m, although it was only good enough for a silver medal at the Paavo Nurmi Games.
Neeraj Chopra fouled in his next three tries before throwing 85.85m in his sixth and final try to cap off an amazing comeback to the field for the first time since his historic gold at the Tokyo Olympics.
