Ostrava, Czech Republic – Indian javelin throw sensation Neeraj Chopra has continued his winning streak, clinching the Golden Spike meet title with a throw of 85.29m. This marks Chopra’s second consecutive victory in a top-tier competition, following his win at the Paris Diamond League just five days prior on June 20, 2025.
Chopra’s maiden appearance at the prestigious World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event in Ostrava saw him emerge victorious in a competitive nine-man field. Despite a “modest effort” by his own high standards, the 27-year-old Olympic gold medallist secured the top spot, further solidifying his position as a dominant force in men’s javelin.
After an initial foul, Chopra’s second throw measured 83.45m, placing him third. However, his third-round attempt of 85.29m propelled him into the lead, a position he maintained throughout the remainder of the competition. His subsequent throws were 82.17m and 81.01m, with a final foul.
South Africa’s Douw Smit secured second place with a throw of 84.12m, while two-time world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada finished third with 83.63m. Notable competitors included 2016 Rio Olympics gold medallist German Thomas Rohler, who struggled to a seventh-place finish with 79.18m. The field in Ostrava was missing Chopra’s German rival, Julian Weber, making Chopra a clear favourite for the title.
This victory holds particular significance for Chopra as he joins his illustrious coach, Jan Zelezny, as a Golden Spike champion. Zelezny, a Czech javelin legend and world record holder, won the event an astounding nine times between 1986 and 2006. Being coached by Zelezny and now winning on his “happy hunting ground” adds a unique layer to Chopra’s achievement. Zelezny, now 59, was present at the meet as the event director, witnessing his protégé’s triumph firsthand.
Neeraj Chopra Wins Golden Spike Meet, Joins Coach Zelezny in Elite Company, Chopra’s 2025 season has been nothing short of impressive. Before his recent back-to-back wins, he secured his first Diamond League title in two years in Paris. He also breached the elusive 90m mark earlier this May with a second-place finish at the Doha Diamond League.
Despite a minor setback at the Janusz Kusocinski Memorial meet in Poland where he was beaten by Julian Weber, Chopra’s consistent performance and ability to deliver under pressure highlight his readiness for major competitions. He previously competed in Ostrava in 2018 at the IAAF Continental Cup, finishing sixth with 80.24m.
Chopra recently acknowledged the need to work on his core muscles to achieve better control over his throws, admitting his run-up might have been too fast. This focus on refinement underscores his dedication to continuous improvement.
Fans eager to watch Neeraj Chopra in action won’t have to wait long. His next competition will be the NC Classic, an event he is personally hosting in Bengaluru, India, on July 5. Both Anderson Peters and Thomas Rohler are also slated to compete in Bengaluru, promising another exciting javelin showdown on Indian soil.
This win at the Golden Spike meet reinforces Neeraj Chopra’s status as a global javelin icon and sets the stage for a thrilling season ahead as he continues his pursuit of excellence.
Neeraj Chopra’s victory at the Golden Spike meet, while achieved with a modest effort, is yet another testament to his consistent excellence in the world of javelin throw. Neeraj Chopra Wins Golden Spike Meet, Joins Coach Zelezny in Elite Company, a fitting achievement for the young Indian superstar as he continues to build on an impressive season. This win not only adds another prestigious title to his growing collection but also strengthens the unique bond with his legendary coach, Jan Zelezny, as Chopra follows in his footsteps on this historic throwing ground.