India’s javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra is set to begin his 2025 Diamond League season in Doha on Friday, marking his first major appearance of the year. With his sights on the prestigious 90-meter barrier, Chopra returns to the global stage under the mentorship of legendary thrower and new coach Jan Zelezny.
Chopra Begins New Chapter Under Zelezny
After a triumphant four-year run with biomechanics expert Dr. Klaus Bartonietz, during which he claimed Olympic gold and a World Championship title, Neeraj Chopra has now transitioned to training with Zelezny—a three-time Olympic champion and current javelin world record holder. The Doha Diamond League meet will be the first real test of this new partnership.
Chopra is fresh off a silver medal win at the 2025 Paris World Championships and is eyeing consistency throughout the season. This meet in Doha is crucial, especially with the NC Classic 2025 in Bengaluru—an event he co-organized with World Athletics—being canceled, giving him an early competitive window before a brief hiatus.
Elite Field Awaits in Doha
The competition in Doha is stacked with top-tier talent. Neeraj will go head-to-head with former world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada and 2024 Doha winner Jakub Vadlejch of Czechia. The German duo of Julian Weber and Max Dehning, Japan’s Roderick Genki Dean, and Kenya’s Julius Yego will also be in the mix.
Notably, Pakistan’s reigning Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem will not be participating, opting instead to focus on the upcoming Asian Athletics Championships in Korea. Meanwhile, India’s Kishore Kumar Jena—silver medalist at the Asian Games—will join Chopra in the javelin throw lineup, reinforcing India’s growing presence in the event.
Beyond the javelin event, Gulveer Singh, the national 5000m record holder, and Parul Chaudhary, competing in the women’s 3000m steeplechase, are set to represent India in distance events, adding depth to the Indian roster.
Event Details and Where to Watch
| Event | Neeraj Chopra – Javelin Throw |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, May 16, 2025 |
| Time (IST) | 10:13 PM |
| Streaming | Wanda Diamond League YouTube, Facebook |
With growing excitement around his return, fans are eager to see if Chopra can inch closer—or finally break—the 90-meter milestone. The Doha showdown offers a key benchmark in his preparation for a demanding season that includes the Olympics and the World Athletics Final.
For more updates on global sports and entertainment