As the athletics world turns its gaze to Tokyo, the spotlight shines brightest on India’s javelin superstar, Neeraj Chopra, who embarks on a historic mission — defending his World Championship gold. The stakes have never been higher for the 27-year-old sensation, who captured hearts and headlines with his triumph at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest. Now, with fierce rivals, unpredictable form, and the weight of national expectations, Chopra seeks to cement his place in sporting history.
Chopra begins his World Championship campaign in the qualifying round on Wednesday, facing a blockbuster field that promises to be one of the fiercest javelin contests in recent memory. At the heart of the drama is the looming rivalry with Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan — the Olympic gold medallist who’s massive 92.97m throw at the Paris 2024 Olympics edged Chopra into silver. Although they will not meet in the qualification round, the anticipation builds for their much-awaited clash in the finals. Alongside Chopra and Nadeem, the competition boasts several marquee names: Julian Weber of Germany, reigning Diamond League champion and current world leader with a staggering 91.51m best this season; Grenada’s two-time World Champion Anderson Peters; Kenya’s 2015 World Champion Julius Yego; Olympic gold medallist Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago; Czech veteran Jakub Vadlejch; and Brazil’s Luiz da Silva. The presence of multiple 90m-plus throwers underscores the sheer challenge Chopra faces.
For India, this World Championship is more than just a quest for individual glory. It marks the largest representation ever for the nation in the men’s javelin event, with Sachin Yadav, Yashvir Singh, and Rohit Yadav joining Chopra in the qualifying rounds. While Chopra enjoys the advantage of a wildcard entry as defending champion, the others earned their spots through rigorous world rankings, signalling India’s rising prominence in global javelin throwing. Chopra’s qualification group includes Weber, Walcott, Vadlejch, and Sachin Yadav, forming a tough battleground of talent. In Group B, Nadeem, Peters, Yego, Luiz da Silva, Rohit Yadav, Yashvir Singh, and emerging Sri Lankan star Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage will compete for a place in the finals. To reach the final stage, athletes must meet the automatic qualifying mark of 84.50m or rank among the top 12.
Though Chopra holds the distinction of breaching the coveted 90-meter barrier earlier this year at the Doha Diamond League (90.23m), his 2025 season has been inconsistent. Several competitions saw him fall short of the 85m mark, raising questions about his form heading into Tokyo. His second-best effort of the year stands at 88.16m, just shy of his career best. In contrast, Julian Weber emerges as the favourite on form and consistency. With three throws beyond 90 meters this season, and a commanding Diamond League victory last month, Weber appears poised to challenge Chopra for gold. Notably, Chopra’s head-to-head record against Weber this season stands at 1-3, with the most recent encounter yielding an 85.01m throw in the Diamond League final — a distance that highlights the uphill battle ahead.
Meanwhile, Nadeem enters the competition with only one competitive event under his belt this season — his 86.40m Asian Championship gold-winning throw in May, after which he underwent calf muscle surgery in England. Despite limited outings, his Paris Olympic performance serves as a stark reminder that on his day, Nadeem can deliver throws that defy expectations. For Indian athletics, Neeraj Chopra’s campaign is more than a personal challenge; it is a national spectacle. After delivering the country’s first-ever Olympic gold in track and field in Tokyo 2021, and following up with World Championship glory in 2023, Chopra carries the hopes of millions. The world watches not only for the athletic drama but for a testament to India’s growing stature in the field events.
This year’s World Championships is not merely about throwing the javelin farther — it’s a narrative of resilience, redemption, and rivalry. Chopra stands at the crossroads of history, facing elite competitors, inconsistent form, and the immense responsibility of being a trailblazer. As the qualifying round gets underway, one thing is clear: the pursuit of javelin gold in Tokyo will be one of the most compelling storylines of the championship, and Neeraj Chopra is at the very heart of it.
Neeraj Chopra’s journey at the 2025 World Athletics Championship is shaping up to be one of the most captivating sagas in the world of track and field. As the defending champion, Chopra carries not just the ambition of personal glory but the immense responsibility of representing India on a global stage where expectations run high. His campaign symbolizes much more than athletic competition — it is about resilience, determination, and national pride.
Facing a field brimming with world-class talent, including Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem, Diamond League champion Julian Weber, and multiple former world and Olympic champions, Chopra’s challenge is nothing short of monumental. Despite struggling with inconsistent performances earlier this season, Chopra’s historic ability to rise to the occasion makes him a formidable contender. His past victories have proven his mettle in high-pressure situations, but this year’s championship presents fresh hurdles. With rivals like Weber in peak form and Nadeem aiming for revenge after the Paris Olympics, every throw will be a test of skill, focus, and mental strength. For India, the event carries historic significance. Not only does Chopra aim to defend his title, but he will also be joined by three other Indian athletes — Sachin Yadav, Yashvir Singh, and Rohit Yadav — marking the largest-ever Indian presence in the men’s javelin at the World Championships. This reflects India’s growing prowess in field events, long seen as the domain of European and Caribbean athletes. The performances of these athletes could inspire a new generation of Indian javelin throwers and elevate the country’s standing in global athletics.
Whether Chopra emerges victorious or not, his presence in the competition is already a statement of progress for Indian sports. His determination to fight past form slumps and the challenge of an elite field highlights the resilience required at the highest levels of competition. Moreover, his campaign underscores the evolving narrative of Indian athletics — one that no longer relies solely on sprinting or distance running but increasingly excels in technically demanding field events. As the qualifiers pave the way for the finals, millions of Indian fans and athletics enthusiasts around the world will watch with bated breath. The outcome will not only define Chopra’s legacy but also shape India’s future in the world of javelin throwing. Neeraj Chopra Kicks Off World Title Defence at 2025 Athletics Championships in Tokyo Today, at a time when global competition grows fiercer and records are relentlessly chased; Chopra’s pursuit of back-to-back World Championship gold is a testament to the enduring spirit of sportsmanship and national ambition.
In the end, the real victory lies in the courage to compete at the highest level, inspiring a nation, and challenging limits. Whether it’s a gold, silver, or a learning experience, Neeraj Chopra’s endeavour in Tokyo 2025 will remain etched as one of India’s most ambitious athletic pursuits.