Sports
oi-Gaurav Sharma
Neeraj Chopra is back. The Indian javelin thrower showed his best performance of the season at the Lausanne Diamond League, throwing 88.05 m, just 9 cm short of Sri Lankan Rumesh Pathirage, who took first with 88.14 m. Though he did not win, his performance was an emphatic statement of his return to form
His 88.05 m was his farthest throw of the season and his first throw beyond 88 m since June 2025
Neeraj Chopra achieved his season-best throw of 88.05 m at the Lausanne Diamond League, finishing second to Rumesh Pathirage (88.14 m) and demonstrating a strong return to form after injury.
More importantly, he found himself still smiling after the run-up knowing that he had crossed the 88-metre mark.
“I didn’t know how far I had thrown. It wasn’t even a conscious effort. It was so close, actually, but I am happy with my 88 metres,” said Neeraj Chopra after his effort.
He even spoke of his technical improvements in his recent practices.
“I was trying hard before but now I focussed on my technique,” said Neeraj Chopra.
In the competition, Neeraj Chopra started with 83.54 m, as Pathirage threw 85.99 m to take an early lead. Anderson Peters then moved ahead of Neeraj Chopra with 86.69 m. However, Neeraj Chopra responded with his best throw of the competition, launching the javelin to 88.05 m to take back the lead and show his famous roar. Pathirage equalled his best mark with 88.14 m to finish second.
🇮🇳🔥 NEERAJ CHOPRA FINISHES 2ND IN LAUSANNE! 💎
What a throw! 👑
🥈 2nd place — Diamond League Lausanne
📏 88.05m — Season Best! 🔥
🇮🇳 Neeraj Chopra continues to deliver on the big stage!
88+ metres and still hungry for more! 💪🇮🇳#NeerajChopra #DiamondLeague #Lausanne… pic.twitter.com/GD3jJMABIX— SHIVAM RAJPUT 🏏 INDIA 🇮🇳 | WORLD CRICKET 🌍 LIV (@shivamr75742206) August 22, 2026
The Indian crossed the 88-metre barrier for the first time since re-injuring his groin during his comeback but showed good form throughout the competition, balancing well without falling to his left. His technical improvements were also on display, showing his ability to retain his balance through the entire run-up, without leaning to his left, something he couldn’t do before his injury.
It was the third straight year that Neeraj Chopra finished second to Pathirage, who has beaten him in Doha and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this year. The Sri Lankan has had a brilliant season, with a string of brilliant throws to put him among the top javelin throwers in the Diamond League.
However, little seems to bother Neeraj Chopra as he prepares for the Asian Games. His 88.05 m performance is a reminder of his ability to throw beyond 88 m. After months of injuries and a management change, Neeraj Chopra looks set to return to his best self.
