GLASGOW, 01 August (H.S.): India celebrated a memorable outing in the men's javelin throw at the 2026 Commonwealth Games on Friday, with Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra claiming the silver medal and Yashveer Singh producing a sensational final effort to secure bronze. The twin podium finish marked a significant achievement for India in the event.

Tokyo Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra came close to his best form despite difficult weather conditions. He registered a season-best throw of 85.83 metres on his second attempt to finish second. His previous season-best mark was 85.69 metres, recorded at the Doha Diamond League in June.

Making his Commonwealth Games debut, 24-year-old Yashveer Singh delivered a personal-best throw of 85.41 metres on his sixth and final attempt to clinch the bronze medal. His previous personal best stood at 83.72 metres.

Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage produced a superb throw of 89.75 metres on his second attempt to win the gold medal. Despite cold temperatures and strong winds, he came remarkably close to the 90-metre mark.

India's third entrant, Rohit Yadav, finished seventh with a best throw of 81.56 metres.

The event was dominated by South Asian athletes, with competitors from the region claiming all three medals. Meanwhile, Pakistan's reigning Olympic champion and defending Commonwealth Games gold medallist Arshad Nadeem was eliminated after the first three rounds, managing a best throw of 77.41 metres. Reigning world champion Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago finished sixth with a throw of 82.55 metres.

Notably, Neeraj Chopra returned to competition this year after recovering from a back injury sustained in September last year. This was his second appearance at the Commonwealth Games, having won the gold medal at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar