India’s Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra etched his name in the history books at the 2025 Doha Diamond League, becoming the first Indian to breach the 90-metre barrier in international competition. With an impressive throw of 90.23 meters on his third attempt, Chopra not only shattered his personal best but also elevated Indian athletics to new heights.
The breakthrough also coincided with his first major competition under new coach Jan Zelezny, a three-time Olympic gold medallist.
Post Chopra’s milestone, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to extend his wishes. In an X thread, he wrote, “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, who called Chopra’s feat a “historic milestone”, also hailed him as India’s “Golden Boy.”
Chopra’s new personal best of 90.23m surpassed his previous national record of 89.94m, set in 2022 at the Stockholm Diamond League. However, he had to settle for second place on the day, with Germany’s Julian Weber clinching the top spot with a 91.06m throw, also his first career throw beyond 90 meters.
Reflecting on the result, Chopra, post the matched shared, “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.”
Chopra also opened up about his improved physical condition this season, noting that a persistent groin issue had hampered his performance in recent years. “I was always feeling something in my groin in the last few years. I did not give my best because of that. This year, I feel much better,” he said.
