He also set a national record of 89.30 meters. Neeraj’s goal this season is to reach the list of athletes who have crossed 90 meters. Coaches also testify that in its current form it is not impossible.
Helsinki, First Published Jun 16, 2022, 11:41 AM IST
Helsinki: Neeraj Chopra’s performance in the javelin throw at the Pao Noormi Games, despite not being able to cross 90 meters, was the closest thing to a goal. Neeraj said he hopes to be able to cross the 90m mark this season. Neeraj Chopra won silver in the first match after winning Olympic gold.
He also set a national record of 89.30 meters. Neeraj’s goal this season is to reach the list of athletes who have crossed 90 meters. Coaches also testify that in its current form it is not impossible. The performance in Finland was a good start for Neeraj, who has been sidelined since August 2021.
Neeraj has the advantage of not falling behind in his performance despite being out of the field for ten months. Earlier, 22 athletes had covered 90 meters. The world record was set by the Czech athlete Jan Selensny with a distance of 98.48 meters.
In Tokyo, Neeraj Pao broke Noormi’s record of 87.58 meters. In the first attempt, Neeraj found 86.92 meters and in the second attempt he jumped 89.30 meters. This is the fifth best performance of the javelin throw this year.
The next three chances were fouled. Finland’s Olivier Hollander finished first with a distance of 89.83 meters. The bronze went to Anderson Peterson of Granada with a distance of 86.60 meters. Neeraj’s performance at the Pao Noormi Games will give India a lot of hope ahead of next month’s World Championships and the Commonwealth Games.
Neeraj will remain in Finland until June 22. Neeraj will also compete in the Courtenay Games and the Diamond League in Stockholm. Earlier, the central government had sanctioned Rs 9.8 lakh for the training. Facilities for Olympic-level indoor and outdoor training are available at the Courteny Olympic Center in Finland.
Last Updated Jun 16, 2022, 11:41 AM IST
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