Indian athletics star Neeraj Chopra continued his stellar 2025 campaign by securing the men’s javelin throw gold medal at the prestigious Ostrava Golden Spike in the Czech Republic on June 24. Fresh from his Paris Diamond League victory just days earlier, Chopra demonstrated remarkable consistency and composure to claim the title with a best throw of 85.29 meters. Competing against a field that included world-class athletes such as Anderson Peters and Thomas Rohler, the reigning Olympic and World Champion further cemented his status as one of the world’s premier javelin throwers.
Neeraj Chopra’s road to gold at the Ostrava Golden Spike was marked by both challenge and resilience. The event, held at Ostravar Arena, saw Chopra begin with an uncharacteristic foul in his first attempt. Undeterred, he quickly rebounded with an 83.45-meter throw in his second attempt, placing him in third position behind Douw Smit (84.12m) and Anderson Peters (83.63m).
The turning point came in Chopra’s third throw, as he unleashed a massive 85.29-meter effort to surge into the lead—a mark that would ultimately secure him the gold. Over the next three attempts, Chopra maintained his composure, registering throws of 82.17 meters and 81.01 meters before finishing with a foul in his final attempt. Despite the minor setbacks, his earlier 85.29-meter throw proved unbeatable, ensuring his victory.
🔥 A Stellar Series of Throws
Chopra’s series unfolded like a masterclass in consistency:
- First attempt: foul
- Second: 83.45 m
- Third: 85.29 m — the winning throw
- Followed by solid throws: 82.17 m and 81.01 m
- Closed with a final foul
He narrowly edged out South Africa’s Douw Smit (PB 84.12 m) and Grenada’s Anderson Peters, who threw 83.63 m.
Speaking ahead of the event, Neeraj Chopra expressed cautious optimism. “I feel good, but I don’t want to put any pressure on myself for 90m. But I’ll try really hard,” he said, reflecting on his focus on technical improvement rather than chasing headline-grabbing distances every time he competes. He also shared his excitement about competing at Ostrava, recalling childhood memories of watching legendary athletes like Usain Bolt perform at the venue.
Chopra’s return to Ostrava was particularly poignant, as he had been forced to withdraw from the event in 2023 and 2024 due to injury. “I came last year but I didn’t compete because of injury. Now I feel good,” he remarked before the competition.
What’s Next
Neeraj Chopra’s latest triumph at the Ostrava Golden Spike is a testament to his consistency and adaptability. After a challenging 2024 season marred by injury and a loss at the Olympics, Chopra has rebounded strongly under the guidance of new coach Jan Železný, the Czech javelin legend and world record holder. This victory marks Chopra’s second consecutive international title this month, following his Paris Diamond League win.
Looking ahead, Chopra is building towards his ultimate goal: a top finish at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. His recent performances—including a national record of 90.23 meters at the Doha Diamond League—have positioned him as a strong contender for further glory on the global stage.
Chopra’s success at Ostrava comes amid a season of renewed focus and technical refinement. The absence of his usual rival, Julian Weber, did little to diminish the competition, as he faced off against Anderson Peters, Thomas Rohler, and Douw Smit, among others. Notably, the event was also significant for Chopra as it took place on the home turf of his new coach, Jan Železný, who also serves as the tournament director.
Neeraj Chopra’s victory at the Ostrava Golden Spike 2025 reaffirms his status as a dominant force in men’s javelin throw. With a winning throw of 85.29 meters and a series of consistent performances, Chopra has demonstrated both resilience and technical prowess. As he sets his sights on the upcoming World Athletics Championships, the Indian star continues to inspire fans and athletes alike, proving that hard work and determination are the keys to sustained excellence.
Discover more from SparkMantis
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.