Neeraj Chopra enters Ostrava Golden Spike as favourite ahead of homecoming

India Today

5 days ago

After securing his first win of the season with a fantastic performance at the Paris Diamond League, Neeraj Chopra now shifts his focus to the Ostrava Golden Spike 2025 - a World Athletics Continental Tour (Gold level) meeting - scheduled for Tuesday, June 24. With the 90m barrier finally breached and a title already in his bag, this will be Neeraj's final competition before he returns home to Bengaluru for the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic on July 5.advertisementThis will be Neeraj's first appearance at the Golden Spike event, having missed out in recent years due to injury. But this time, the 27-year-old arrives with momentum on his side, enjoying a strong run of form under the guidance of Jan Zelezny. It will be his fifth outing of the season, following impressive performances at the Diamond League meets in Doha and Paris.By his own admission, Neeraj's primary goal this season is the World Championships in Tokyo, where he will enter as the defending champion. However, a strong showing in Ostrava would serve as ideal preparation for the championship in Japan later this year, while also underlining the progress he has made under Zelezny's mentorship.
"I am really happy to work with such a great athlete and coach. I've already thrown 90m this year after a little bit more improvement in technique. So, let's see when it comes next time, but I am ready," said Neeraj.advertisement"Recently we've done a good training in Nymburk so I'll do my best here in Ostrava.""Main goal for the season is obviously, the World Championships in Tokyo."Neeraj was a guest at the event last year and now has the chance to impress everyone with his skills."When I was kid, I watched a lot of videos and photos of athletes like Usain Bolt competing here (at Ostrava Golden Spike). I came last year, but I didn't compete because of injury. Now I feel good, but I don't want to put any pressure on myself for 90m. But I'll try really hard," Neeraj said.The field may not pose a major challenge for the Indian ace, but it still features stellar names like Anderson Peters and Thomas Rhler. Notably, Julian Weber—who has developed a strong rivalry with Neeraj this season—will be missing from the event.With all eyes on him, Neeraj will look to secure the top spot on the podium before heading home for the inaugural NC Classic, where he will host some of the sport's biggest names in Bengaluru next month.Ostrava Golden Spike 2025: Javelin throw entry listNeeraj Chopra - IND (PB - 90.23m)Jan Vyska - CZE (PB - 75.23m)advertisementMarc Anthony Minichiello - USA (PB - 82.65m)Alexandr Caca - CZE (PB - 78.44m)Douw Smit - RSA (PB - 83.29m)Martin Konecny - CZE (PB - 80.06m)Toni Keranen - FIN (PB - 85.27m)Thomas Rohler - GER (PB - 93.90m)Anderson Peters - GRN (PB - 93.07m)When will Neeraj Chopra be in action at the 64th Ostrava Golden Spike?Neeraj's event, the men's javelin throw, at the 64th Ostrava Golden Spike will begin at 10:30PM IST on June 24 (7PM local time).When and where to watch Neeraj Chopra at Ostrava Golden Spike 2025?In India, the event will be streamed live on the World Athletics' Inside Track. There will be no television broadcast of the event.- EndsMust Watch