India’s javelin star Neeraj Chopra achieved a landmark feat at the 2025 Doha Diamond League, becoming the first Indian to surpass the 90-meter mark with a throw of 90.23 meters. Despite this career-best performance, he finished second behind Germany’s Julian Weber, who clinched victory with a 91.06-meter throw. The event, held at Qatar Sports Club Stadium, marked a significant milestone for Chopra, surpassing his previous national record of 89.94 meters set at the 2022 Stockholm Diamond League.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Chopra’s accomplishment on X, stating, “A spectacular feat! Congratulations to Neeraj Chopra for breaching the 90 m mark at Doha Diamond League 2025 and achieving his personal best throw. This is the outcome of his relentless dedication, discipline and passion. India is elated and proud.” Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also lauded the achievement on X, describing it as a historic moment for the nation. He wrote, “India’s golden star, Neeraj Chopra, has created history at the 2025 Doha Diamond League by breaking the 90-metre mark for the first time. This is not only an unprecedented achievement in his personal career but also a proud moment for the entire nation.”
Chopra expressed mixed emotions about the result, telling Olympics.com, “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.” He acknowledged Weber’s performance, noting both athletes broke the 90-meter barrier for the first time in their careers. Chopra’s throw places him among an elite group of 25 javelin throwers worldwide who have exceeded 90 meters, including his coach, Jan Zelezny, and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem.
