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Olympic javelin champion Neeraj Chopra revealed that he competed in the Diamond League Final despite sustaining a hand injury during training. The injury, a fractured fourth metacarpal in his left hand, was sustained on Monday, just days before the competition.Despite the setback, Chopra was determined to participate in the event, which was the final competition of the season. He explained that he wanted to end his season on the track, even if he couldn't meet his own expectations.Chopra's performance in Brussels was impressive, considering his injury. He threw 87.86m, finishing just one centimeter behind the winner, Anderson Peters of Grenada. It was the second consecutive year that Chopra finished as runner-up in the Diamond League Final.Reflecting on his season, Chopra acknowledged the challenges he faced, including the groin injury that has affected him all season. He expressed his determination to return fully fit and ready to go in 2025.Chopra's season has been a rollercoaster of emotions. After winning a historic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, he added a silver medal to his tally at the Paris Olympics. However, he has also faced setbacks, including injuries and the inability to reach the elusive 90m mark.Despite the challenges, Chopra remains optimistic about the future. He believes that the 2024 season has made him a better athlete and person. He thanked his supporters for their encouragement and expressed his excitement for the 2025 season.

Neeraj Chopra, India's javelin superstar, has had a season of near misses, culminating in a second-place finish at the 2024 Diamond League final. Despite his consistent performances, Chopra has narrowly missed out on top honors throughout the season.At the Kuortane Games 2021, Chopra's last finish outside the top two, he has since secured a string of podium finishes. However, his 2024 campaign has been marked by a series of second-place finishes, including the Paris Olympics, Doha Diamond League, and Lausanne Diamond League.In the Diamond League final, Chopra produced a best throw of 87.86m, falling short of Anderson Peters' winning throw by a mere 0.01m. Peters, making a comeback after an injury, claimed the Diamond Trophy with an 87.87m throw.Despite his narrow miss, Chopra earned USD 12,000 (INR 10.06 lakh) in the grand finale of the Diamond League series. He finished the season with 14 points, securing fourth place in the overall standings.Chopra's consistent performances have earned him over INR 20 lakh in prize money from the Diamond League series. However, he did not receive any cash incentive for his silver medal at the Paris Olympics, as cash rewards were only given to Olympic champions.Despite his near misses, Chopra remains a formidable force in javelin throwing. His determination and resilience are a testament to his unwavering pursuit of excellence. As he looks ahead to the 2028 Summer Games, Chopra will undoubtedly be aiming to convert his silver into gold and add to India's Olympic medal tally.

National record holder Avinash Sable will make history as the first Indian to compete in the Diamond League Final in the 3000m steeplechase event. The season-ending event will be held in Brussels on September 13, and Sable will join star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra in representing India.Sable earned his spot in the final despite finishing 14th in the overall Diamond League standings with three points. However, four athletes ranked higher than him have withdrawn from the event, including Lamecha Girma of Ethiopia, Geordie Beamish of New Zealand, Ryuji Mura of Japan, and Hillary Bor of the USA.The 29-year-old Sable has had a remarkable season, setting a new national record of 8:09.91 in the Paris leg of the Diamond League on July 7. He also finished 14th at the Silesia leg with a time of 8:29.96 on August 25.Sable's performance at the Paris Games was disappointing, as he finished 11th with a time of 8:14.18. However, he made history by becoming the first Indian to reach the Olympic final in the men's 3000m steeplechase.Chopra, a two-time Olympic medalist, also qualified for the DL final after finishing fourth in the overall standings. He accumulated 14 points from his two second-place finishes in the one-day meets held in Doha and Lausanne.The Diamond League Final is a prestigious event, with the winner receiving a Diamond Trophy, $30,000 prize money, and a wild card for the World Athletics Championships. The runner-up will receive $12,000, and the prize money decreases for each subsequent place.Sable and Chopra's participation in the Diamond League Final is a testament to their exceptional talent and hard work. Their performances have not only brought glory to India but have also inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams.

India's javelin throw sensation Neeraj Chopra has secured his spot in the prestigious Diamond League season finale, scheduled for September 14-15 in Brussels. Despite battling a persistent groin injury, Chopra's impressive performances throughout the season have earned him a place among the top four athletes in the overall standings.Chopra's journey to the Diamond League finale began with a second-place finish in Doha, where he threw 89.30m. He replicated this feat in Lausanne, finishing behind Grenada's Anderson Peters with a throw of 89.08m. These performances earned him 14 points, placing him fourth in the overall standings.The 26-year-old Haryana-born athlete has been grappling with a groin injury since before the Tokyo Olympics, which has hindered his pursuit of the elusive 90m mark. Despite this setback, Chopra has remained determined to overcome his physical challenges and regain his peak form.In the recently concluded Zurich meet, Peters emerged victorious with a throw of 90.61m, while German star Julian Weber finished second. Chopra opted to skip this meet to prioritize his recovery and preparation for the Diamond League finale.Chopra's participation in the Diamond League finale holds significant importance as the winner of each event is awarded a prestigious "Diamond Trophy," a cash prize of USD 30,000, and a wild card for the World Athletics Championships.The Indian javelin thrower has a strong track record in the Diamond League, having won the Lausanne leg in 2022 and 2023. He also finished second to Jakub Vadlejch in the winner-takes-all finale in Eugene, USA, last year.Chopra's immediate focus is on addressing his groin injury and regaining full fitness. He has expressed his determination to improve his technique and push the boundaries of his performance in the upcoming season.

Sumit Antil, India's javelin throw champion, is gearing up for the upcoming Paralympics in Paris with unwavering determination. Inspired by Neeraj Chopra's recent silver medal at the Paris Olympics, Antil aims to defend his Tokyo 2020 title and push the boundaries of his sport.Antil, who will be one of the flag-bearers for India at the Paralympics, has drawn immense motivation from Chopra's performance at the Stade de France. He believes that Chopra's resilience and ability to perform under pressure are qualities he aspires to emulate."Neeraj bhai's throw was a great effort. It came after he was carrying an injury, which shows his mental strength," said Antil. "I'm taking inspiration from him and trying to stay cool and steady in my preparation."Antil, who competes in the F-64 category, has a remarkable track record. At Tokyo, he broke the world record thrice, culminating in a gold medal-winning throw of 68.55 meters. He has since continued his winning streak, claiming back-to-back gold medals at the World Para Athletics Championships in Paris and Kobe.Despite his success, Antil remains grounded and acknowledges the challenges of his sport. He is currently managing a minor back injury, but is confident that it will not hinder his performance in Paris."We are very conscious about injuries this time," said Antil. "I have a minor back injury, but I'm working on it and I'm confident that I will be ready for the competition."Antil's journey to the top has been marked by resilience and determination. After losing his left leg in an accident in 2015, he found solace in javelin throwing. With the support of his family and his own unwavering spirit, he has overcome adversity and become a beacon of inspiration for others."I have become more consistent since Tokyo," said Antil. "The expectations have increased, but I have also become more disciplined. I'm confident that I can perform well in Paris and bring back a good result."Antil's ultimate goal is to reach the 80-meter mark, a testament to his unwavering ambition and the limitless potential of the human spirit.

Ace Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics ended in heartbreak despite her valiant efforts. After reaching the final of the women's 50kg freestyle wrestling event, Vinesh was disqualified due to a failed weigh-in by a mere 100 grams. The devastating news shattered the hopes of the entire nation, which had pinned its hopes on her for a medal.Vinesh's disqualification sparked outrage and disappointment, leading her to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS). However, the verdict went against her, further dampening her spirits. Despite the bitter turn of events, Vinesh's determination and resilience have earned her the admiration and respect of her countrymen.While Vinesh may not have officially secured a medal in Paris, her performance has significantly boosted her brand value. According to the Economic Times, her fee for endorsement deals has skyrocketed, reflecting her increased popularity and marketability. Before the Olympics, Vinesh reportedly charged around INR 25 lakh per deal. However, she now commands a fee in the range of INR 75 lakh to 1 crore from a single brand.Vinesh's success has also inspired other Indian athletes. Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic gold medalist in javelin throw, returned home with a silver medal from Paris. Despite failing to repeat his gold medal performance, Chopra's brand value has soared by 30-40%, reaching an estimated USD 40 million or INR 330 crore.Manu Bhaker, another Indian shooting sensation, bagged two bronze medals in Paris. Her impressive performance has led to a surge in her brand value, resulting in a lucrative INR 1.5 crore deal with ThumbsUp. Before the Olympics, Manu charged around INR 25 lakh per endorsement deal. However, her Olympic success has seen her fee increase by six times.The success of Vinesh, Neeraj, and Manu has not only brought glory to India but has also had a positive impact on the sports industry. Their achievements have inspired young athletes and ignited a passion for sports in the hearts of millions of Indians.

Neeraj Chopra, India's golden boy of javelin, narrowly missed out on the gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, settling for silver despite a season-best throw of 89.45m. Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem stole the show with a mammoth 92.97m throw, breaking the Olympic record and leaving Chopra in his wake.Chopra's best effort came on his second attempt, but his subsequent four throws were all fouls. Experts believe that Chopra's eagerness to surpass Nadeem's record may have contributed to his fouls."When Nadeem threw 92.97 meters, there was pressure on Neeraj," said three-time Paralympic medalist Devendra Jhajharia. "He wanted to throw over 93 meters and put in extra effort, which resulted in four fouls."Despite the setback, Chopra remains a force to be reckoned with. He won gold at the Tokyo Olympics and is determined to complete a sensational hat-trick of medals at the 2028 Los Angeles Games."Neeraj is very passionate about javelin," added Jhajharia. "He is so focused and humble. I am sure he will make a hat-trick of Olympic medals in Los Angeles."Chopra's silver medal in Paris is a testament to his resilience and determination. He will undoubtedly be a contender for gold in Los Angeles, where he will aim to cement his legacy as one of the greatest javelin throwers of all time.

Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem's historic gold medal victory in the men's javelin throw at the Paris Olympics 2024 has sparked comparisons to the iconic Border-Gavaskar Trophy rivalry between India and Australia. Nadeem's record-breaking throw of 92.97m dethroned defending champion Neeraj Chopra of India, who settled for silver with a throw of 89.45m.Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has ignited the debate, claiming that the rivalry between Nadeem and Chopra has surpassed the magnitude of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Ali argues that the India-Pakistan rivalry transcends all other sporting contests, including the Ashes between England and Australia."The whole world knows that India vs Pakistan is on one side and everything else is on the other side. Even Ashes isn't that big," Ali said on his YouTube channel.Ali believes that the rivalry between Nadeem and Chopra will draw massive crowds regardless of the venue. "When Neeraj and Arshad compete in javelin, the whole world will be in front of the television, and the stadium will be full," he added.Nadeem's gold medal was Pakistan's first in 40 years since the men's team won it in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. The victory has ignited a sense of national pride in Pakistan and has further fueled the rivalry with India.While the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a bilateral cricket series, the rivalry between Nadeem and Chopra extends beyond the confines of a single sport. It represents the intense competition and national pride that exists between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem's historic Olympic gold in the men's javelin final has sparked a wave of celebration and recognition. Among the unique gifts bestowed upon the 27-year-old was a buffalo from his father-in-law, a traditional honor in his hometown.Nadeem's close rival and friend, Neeraj Chopra, India's silver medalist in the same event, shared his experience of receiving similar gifts. "I was once gifted desi ghee," said Chopra. "In Haryana, we often receive gifts like 10kg or 50kg of desi ghee or ladoos."Chopra explained that these gifts symbolize strength and are common in regions where circle kabaddi and wrestling are popular. "Ghee is believed to enhance strength, which is crucial in our sports," he said. "Buffalos are also gifted, and wrestlers and kabaddi players may receive Bullet motorbikes or tractors."Nadeem's Olympic record throw of 92.97m left Chopra with the challenge of crossing the 90m mark to defend his title. Despite a groin injury, Chopra managed a season-best throw of 89.45m, just short of his goal."I had no doubt I could better Arshad's throw," said Chopra. "Improving by 3-4m is not significant in javelin. However, my body couldn't keep up with my mental readiness."Chopra acknowledged that his legwork on the runway was subpar, affecting his overall performance. "I tried to compensate with effort, but it's ineffective without proper technique," he said. "I've managed my injury, and it hasn't worsened."Nadeem's victory and the unique gifts he received have highlighted the cultural significance of sports in Pakistan and India. The camaraderie between Nadeem and Chopra showcases the spirit of sportsmanship and the shared passion for excellence in javelin.