Ostrava (Czech Republic), June 25 (H.S.): Neeraj Chopra, India’s javelin throw star and world champion, clinched the men's javelin title at the 64th Ostrava Golden Spike event, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour (Gold Level). The 27-year-old athlete achieved a top throw of 85.29 meters on his third attempt, securing first place. South Africa's Dou Smith finished second with 84.12 meters, while Grenada’s Anderson Peters came in third with 83.63 meters. This victory marks Chopra's third win of the season. He started with a foul throw and improved to 83.45 meters in his second attempt before taking the lead. His subsequent throws were 82.17 meters, 81.01 meters, and another foul.

Earlier this season, Neeraj won at an invitational meet in Potchefstroom with a throw of 84.52 meters. He then surpassed the 90-meter mark at the Doha Diamond League, achieving a personal best of 90.23 meters but finishing behind Germany’s Julian Weber, who threw 91.06 meters. He later secured second place in Poland before winning at the Paris Diamond League with 88.16 meters. Neeraj's next competition is the Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru on July 5, the first international javelin event in India.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar