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Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic and world javelin champion, will kick off his season at the Doha Diamond League 2024 on Friday at the Qatar Sports Club. Joining him will be fellow Indian Kishore Jena, who will also make his Diamond League debut.Both athletes have already secured their spots at the Paris Olympics. They last competed at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, where Jena won silver and Chopra took gold. Chopra is the only Indian athlete to have won a Diamond League title, which he achieved in Zurich in 2022. He lost the title last year to Czech Republic's Jakub Vadlejch, who is also competing this year and won silver at the Tokyo Olympics.Chopra is aiming to break the 90-meter barrier. "I've been training well and have had some good throwing sessions leading up to this event," he said. "I'm in form, but I don't know...there are three throwers over 90m. I'm still not there."Vadlejch has a personal best of 90.88m, while Anderson Peters has a personal best of 93.07m and Julius Yego boasts 92.72m. "I'm stuck between 88 and 90m. But I really want to break this barrier. Maybe tomorrow, it will be good," Chopra said.

Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, India's golden boy in javelin throw, has acknowledged the challenges of balancing his stardom with his training and competition schedule. The 26-year-old superstar, who is also the reigning world and Asian Games champion, is set to kick off his season with the first leg of the Diamond League on Friday.Chopra, who has spent the majority of the past few months training abroad in South Africa, Turkey, and Switzerland, expressed his desire to prioritize his sport over social obligations. "For me, my sport is more important," he said. "It's good for my profile if I play in India, but there are too many functions and marriage functions. I also want to join my family and friends, but more than that, I want to train in an Olympic year."Chopra's stardom has undoubtedly elevated the stature of athletics in India. "It's not like cricketers, like Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni, but a lot of people know me," he said. "I go to India sometimes, people know me, which is good for athletics. People know about athletics and follow athletics because of the Olympic gold."Despite the recognition, Chopra remains focused on his ultimate goal: breaking the elusive 90m mark. "About 90m, last year I said I will throw 90 and threw 88. This year, I don't want to say, I want to show," he said. "People have been asking me this question since 2018, when I threw 88.06 at the Asian Games. But, a lot of things happened, my elbow injury, the surgery, and now I have been stuck between 88 and 90m."Chopra is aware of the expectations that come with his status as an Olympic champion, but he tries to focus on his technique. "Obviously, it is the Olympics year and India is a big country and everyone expects gold," he said. "But, it's really hard in Olympics because the best from the world are competing with you.""My focus is to just stay healthy and concentrate on my technique. And yes, if I stay healthy everything will be good."

India's javelin stars, led by Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, are poised to kick off their outdoor season at the Doha leg of the Diamond League on May 10th. Chopra, along with his comrade Kishore Jena, will spearhead India's challenge, fueled by a newfound sense of belief.Chopra, who made history with a gold-silver finish alongside Jena at the Hangzhou Asian Games, believes that a third javelin thrower, DP Manu, should also qualify for the Paris Olympics. "We have to take this Budapest belief forward and in Paris anything is possible," Chopra said.Manu, who has yet to meet the qualifying standard of 85.50 meters, is currently ranked 11th in the Road to Paris rankings. This position should secure him a ticket to Paris unless others surpass him or he fails to improve his distance.The Indian Grand Prix I in Bengaluru saw Manu win the men's javelin throw with an effort of 81.91m, short of the Olympic qualification mark. However, he has been training diligently in South Africa with his coach Kashinath Naik.Chopra, Jena, and Manu have all benefited from the government's Target Olympic Podium Scheme, which provides funding for athletes to prepare for global events. Chopra alone has received close to 4 Crore INR in support.Chopra emphasizes the importance of meticulous planning and overseas training. "The entire scenario changes when you arrive at the Games Village. The real pressure starts building up then. But I should be prepared," he said.Chopra credits his success to his international training experiences in Finland, South Africa, the UK, and Turkey. "After Tokyo, I found out how international athletes plan their schedule and choose their training centers," he said.While Chopra acknowledges the role of belief, he cautions that performance cannot be guaranteed. "It will be on how we do on that day. I strongly believe we all are training hard and doing a Budapest encore is not impossible," he stated.Chopra, who holds the world-leading throw of 88.67 meters, will be a favorite in Doha, facing competition from Jakub Vadlejch, Anderson Peters, Max Dehning, and Jena.

Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra is set to kick off his season at the prestigious Diamond League meet in Doha on Friday, facing a formidable field that includes former world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada and Olympic and world-medallist Jakub Vadlejch of Czech Republic.Chopra, who is also the reigning world and Asian Games champion, will be aiming to set the tone for his Paris Games preparations in Doha. The 26-year-old Indian javelin superstar has a personal best of 89.94m, which is also the national record.Joining Chopra in the fray will be his compatriot Kishore Jena, who will be making his Diamond League debut. Jena has a personal best of 87.54m.The 10-man field also includes European champion Julian Weber of Germany, who finished fourth in the Olympic Games and World Championships.Chopra is the defending champion in Doha, having won the event in 2022 ahead of Vadlejch and Peters. He has also won three individual legs of the Diamond League and lifted the champion's trophy in 2022.After Doha, Chopra will compete at home for the first time in three years at the National Federation Cup Senior Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar from May 12 to 15. He will then compete in the prestigious Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland on June 18.Chopra's goal for this season is to defend his Olympic title and to break the elusive 90m barrier. He has been training overseas at different international centers in Finland, South Africa, UK, and Turkey to prepare for the upcoming season.The Indian government has spent close to Rs four crore to assist Chopra's training, equipment, coach's salary, and out-of-pocket allowances in the current Paris Olympics cycle.Chopra attributes his preparedness to the training he has undergone overseas and the support he has received from the government. He has also emphasized the importance of staying injury-free and adjusting to a proper diet.

Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is set to make his long-awaited return to domestic competition after confirming his participation in the National Federation Cup in Bhubaneswar from May 12 to 15. The 26-year-old superstar will be competing at home for the first time in three years, having last participated in a domestic event in March 2021.Chopra's participation in the Federation Cup is a significant development as it will provide him with an opportunity to test his form and fitness ahead of the upcoming season. The Indian javelin star is expected to travel to India from Doha after opening his season in the first leg of the prestigious Diamond League series on May 10.Chopra's coach, Klaus Bartonietz, has confirmed that his ward is taking part in the Bhubaneswar event. As per the schedule released by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), the men's javelin qualifying round will be held on May 14, with the final scheduled for May 15.Chopra's return to domestic competition is eagerly anticipated by Indian athletics fans. Since his last domestic appearance in 2021, Chopra has achieved remarkable success on the international stage. He won a historic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, became Diamond League champion in 2022, and claimed the world championship title in 2023. He also successfully defended his Asian Games gold medal in China.Despite his impressive achievements, Chopra is yet to cross the 90-meter mark. His personal best and national record stand at 89.94m. The Federation Cup will provide him with an opportunity to fine-tune his technique and push for the elusive 90m throw.Chopra's participation in the Federation Cup is also a boost for the event itself. The tournament will feature some of India's top athletes, including 28-year-old Kishore Jena, who won a silver medal in the Hangzhou Asian Games where Chopra won gold. Jena will also be competing in the Doha Diamond League on May 10.The Federation Cup is an important event in the Indian athletics calendar, and Chopra's presence will undoubtedly add to its prestige and excitement. Indian athletics fans will be eagerly watching to see how the Olympic and world champion performs on home soil after a long absence.

Olympic-bound javelin thrower Kishore Jena has emerged as a rising star in Indian athletics, following his impressive performance at the 2023 Asian Games. Alongside Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion, Jena has formed a formidable duo that is poised to make waves at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.Jena's journey to the top has been marked by his unwavering determination and the invaluable guidance of Neeraj Chopra. In a recent interview with NDTV, Jena expressed his admiration for Chopra's humility and mentorship. "He is such a senior athlete, but he always treats us with respect," Jena said. "He keeps on pushing me ahead during tournaments and never makes me feel like he is my competition."Jena's meteoric rise has been fueled by his relentless pursuit of improvement. Last year, he shattered his personal best by over 9 meters, propelling him into the elite ranks of javelin throwers. As he prepares for the Olympics, Jena is meticulously fine-tuning his technique and fitness through rigorous training and participation in prestigious events like the Diamond League.In the lead-up to the Paris Games, Jena spent 35 days training in Australia, where he honed his skills in an optimal environment. "The temperature was around 2-3 degrees Celsius in Patiala, so the Athletic Federation of India recommended us to go for training," Jena explained. "Our trip turned out to be a success as we had good practice sessions twice a day."Jena's unwavering focus and the unwavering support of his mentor, Neeraj Chopra, have positioned him as a legitimate contender for an Olympic medal. As the countdown to Paris 2024 continues, Jena is determined to leave an indelible mark on the world stage and inspire a new generation of Indian athletes.

Defending an Olympic title is a daunting task, as Neeraj Chopra will discover when he steps onto the runway in Paris with the weight of expectations on his shoulders. The Indian javelin thrower, who won gold in Tokyo in 2021, will be aiming to become only the second man in history to successfully defend an Olympic javelin title.Michael Johnson, the legendary American sprinter who won four Olympic gold medals and eight world championships, knows what it takes to defend an Olympic title. He successfully defended his 400m title in Sydney in 2000, despite battling injuries in the lead-up to the Games."It is very difficult when you are the defending champion," Johnson said. "It comes with its own pressure. Sometimes when an athlete is not expected to win, it's easier to do than when they are expected to win."Chopra will be carrying the hopes of a nation on his shoulders in Paris. But Johnson believes that the Indian star has the mental strength to handle the pressure."He has the whole of India wanting him to win," Johnson said. "Not all athletes have done it. I was able to do it and it can be done. It comes with an advantage that you know that you can win. You have done it before. You also carry the champion's confidence."Chopra has been in impressive form since his Olympic triumph. He is the reigning world champion and has consistently medalled in major meets. Johnson believes that Chopra is capable of great things in Paris."He is flying high," Johnson said. "Going by his performances in the last two years, he has been spurred by his sensational Tokyo Olympics gold."Johnson also stressed the importance of managing expectations."Expectations will always weigh on you," he said. "It's just about how you manage it. You have your own expectations, fans have expectations, and the whole country has its expectations. Trying to pretend that it's not there and doesn't exist is a mistake. The key is to manage those expectations, especially in the moment when you are preparing to focus on only the things you can control."Johnson is looking forward to some good performances in the Paris Olympics, especially with the energy of the fans coming back after the Covid-restricted Tokyo Games."Lot of athletes told me that they missed the energy of the fans in the stadium," he said. "The thing about the Olympics is that all events are thrilling because the stakes are high. These are your best athletes at their best. They have all trained for this moment. Everybody wants to be the champion but only one will get the gold medal. So, there will be last minute drama. You are going to have athletes trying to show up in Paris not believing they can win gold and they can leave Paris with a gold medal. It's an amazing story when that happens."

Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra is in the final stages of his pre-season training in Antalya, Turkey, with his sights set on repeating his triumph at the season-opening Doha Diamond League on May 10. Chopra emerged victorious in the Qatari capital in 2023 with a throw of 88.67m, but this year, his focus extends beyond the Diamond League to the ultimate goal of retaining his Olympic crown."Defending my Olympic gold is my primary objective this season, but there's still time for that," Chopra stated. "Before then, I'll participate in 3-4 events, aiming to perform well in each. That will prepare me mentally and physically for Paris."Since his last competitive appearance at the Hangzhou Asian Games, where he secured the gold medal, Chopra has undergone a six-month off-season. He trained in Potchefstroom, South Africa, before relocating to Gloria Sports Arena in Turkey, where he has primarily focused on enhancing his strength.Chopra's two-member team, comprising biomechanics expert Klaus Bartonietz and physiotherapist Ishaan Marwah, has expanded with the addition of strength and conditioning expert Spencer Mackay. Mackay previously worked with Chopra during his rehabilitation following elbow surgery in 2019. Recognizing the need to elevate his performance in the Olympic year, Chopra has once again sought Mackay's expertise."I've been working on my strength and conditioning for the past 2-3 months," Chopra explained. "My technique has improved significantly in clean and jerk and snatches. I've also commenced javelin-specific workouts. I'm eager to start the season."While the Olympics remain the ultimate prize, Chopra is not underestimating the importance of his tune-up events. He attributes this shift in mindset to his success in Tokyo."Before Tokyo, I was content with simply competing," Chopra said. "I would finish fourth or fifth and be satisfied. But after Tokyo, I have this burning desire to excel everywhere. I want to finish on the podium as often as possible."Chopra's consistency since his Tokyo triumph is a testament to his unwavering dedication to training. "I was never satisfied after Tokyo, but consistent results demand consistent training," he said. "I relish pushing myself in training, and now is the time to break out of the 87-89m bracket and achieve consistent throws at a higher level."The reigning world champion also acknowledged the exceptional talent of his compatriot Kishore Jena, who he believes has the potential to surpass the 90m mark before him. He also praised Germany's 19-year-old sensation Max Dehning, the latest entrant in the 90m club.

Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra is setting his sights on breaking the 90-meter barrier in javelin throw before the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Indian star, who won gold in Tokyo in 2020, believes he is on track to achieve this milestone soon.Chopra's best competitive throw stands at 89.94m, achieved at the 2022 Stockholm Diamond League. While he has surpassed 90m in training, he is yet to replicate it in competition. However, he is confident that it will happen before Paris."I will try to breach the 90m mark before that (Paris Olympics). Hopefully, it happens before Paris, everything is going on smoothly, so (people) might not have to wait till the Olympics, it might happen before that. The preparation is good," Chopra said.Chopra's confidence stems from a successful off-season focused on fitness and strength, as well as the success he has achieved since winning gold in Tokyo. He has won the Diamond League trophy, retained his Asian Games gold, and earned a silver and gold at the World Championships."After Tokyo, the self-confidence has definitely gone up. Besides, I have also played quite a few events... two world championships, a silver and a gold there, won the Diamond League trophy, made some good throws, then retained the Asian Games gold (in Hangzhou) as well," Chopra said."So, the success between Tokyo and Paris has given me a lot of confidence that yes I can do it against strong competitors."Chopra has also worked on improving his technique since Tokyo. "Before Tokyo, whatever shortcomings I had and during the years leading to Paris, I have worked on them. The best part is everything is going smoothly and I am very positive."Chopra will begin his competitive season with the Doha Diamond League Meeting on May 10, followed by the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland on June 18. He will face stiff competition from 19-year-old German sensation Max Dehning, who recently threw 90.20m."They (two tournaments) are very crucial in the run-up to Olympics, to get that competitive feel back (after the off-season). I will also decide in consultation with my coach and team which competitions to take part in."Chopra is excited about the prospect of competing against Dehning. "When I competed in Tokyo and elsewhere, most of my competitors came in boasting of 90-plus throws. So, it's not such a big deal. What matters is what you do on that particular day.""I am excited to compete against Dahlin. But it depends on the kind of pressure they (competitors) are able to handle. That is the biggest challenge. I'm sure I will play a lot of matches with Max (Dahlin). Never played with him before. It will be interesting, I will enjoy."Chopra also praised fellow Indian javelin thrower Kishore Jena, who won silver at the Asian Games. "The way he has progressed in the world championships and the Asian Games, who knows Kishore might breach the 90m mark before me. 90m mark atka hua hai, but kabhi na kabhi ho jayega (That 90m-mark has not come thus far, but some day it will happen)."