Indian javelin ace Neeraj Chopra made a powerful statement at the Paris 2024 Olympics, effortlessly securing his place in the men’s javelin throw final with a colossal first attempt of 89.34 meters. The 26-year-old defending champion’s throw, which took place during the qualification round on Tuesday, marked his season’s best and firmly established him as the top qualifier in Group B.

In a performance reminiscent of his gold-medal-winning effort at the Tokyo Olympics, Chopra surpassed the automatic qualifying mark of 84 meters with his very first throw. His massive 89.34-meter effort is the second-best throw of his career, close to his personal best of 89.94 meters, set in 2022.

Chopra’s outstanding performance also allayed concerns about his fitness, as he had been managing an adductor niggle in the lead-up to the Games. Despite these concerns, the Olympic champion displayed remarkable form, underlining his status as a top contender for the gold medal.

As the final approaches, all eyes will be on Chopra, who aims to defend his Olympic title and continue his dominance in the sport. With his first throw sending a clear message to his competitors, Chopra looks poised for another historic performance on the world stage.