Published 3 days ago • loading... • Updated 3 days ago
Athletics-Paulino, El Bakkali Victorious as Tharanga Pips Chopra in Doha Diamond League
Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra dropped to 5th in the World Athletics rankings released on June 16, following more than six months away due to a back injury sustained at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Returning to competition at the Doha Diamond League on Friday, Chopra finished fourth with a best throw of 85.69m, marking his first appearance following an extended injury-enforced break.
With an 82.77m second attempt, Chopra surpassed the Commonwealth Games qualification mark of 82.61m, ensuring the Olympic and world champion remains eligible for the multi-sport event.
Sri Lankan thrower Rumesh Pathirage won the event with an 88.68m throw, outpacing a strong field that included USA's Curtis Thompson and Grenada's Anderson Peters.
Chopra held the world No. 1 ranking from May 2023 until August 24, 2025, and now focuses on upcoming major international events to add another medal to his collection.
Rumesh Pathirage of Sri Lanka took first place with a best throw of 88.68 meters. Anderson Peters of Grenada finished second with a best throw of 86.38 meters, while Curtis Thompson of the United States finished third with a best throw of 85.99 meters.