Daijiworld Media Network- South Africa

South Africa, Apr 17: Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, a two-time Olympic medalist, kicked off his 2025 season in impressive fashion by winning the Potch Invitational Track event in Potchefstroom, South Africa, on Wednesday.

Chopra topped the competition, recording a throw of 84.52 meters at the prestigious World Athletics Continental Tour Challenger event. The 27-year-old athlete outperformed a field of six competitors, with Douw Smit, a 25-year-old South African, finishing second with a throw of 82.44 meters. Chopra’s winning throw was, however, shy of his personal best of 89.94 meters.

Both Chopra and Smit were the only athletes to surpass the 80-meter mark in the competition. Duncan Robertson from South Africa secured third place with a throw of 71.22 meters.

Chopra, who has been training in Potchefstroom under his new coach Jan Zelezny, a three-time Olympic champion and world record holder from the Czech Republic, expressed confidence ahead of the upcoming season. The 2024 Paris Olympic silver medalist and 2020 Tokyo Olympic gold medalist parted ways with his long-time coach Klaus Bartonietz of Germany last year, opting to work with Zelezny to refine his technique and break the elusive 90-meter barrier.

Chopra will be next seen in action at the Doha Diamond League on May 16, where he will face top javelin throwers from around the world. His journey to surpassing the 90-meter mark continues to be a major goal in his illustrious career.