Neeraj Chopra Opens 2025 Season with 84.52m Win in South Africa
Olympic champion tops field at Potch Invitational Track event
India’s javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra kickstarted his 2025 athletics season with a commanding performance at the Potch Invitational Track event in Potchefstroom, South Africa, held on Wednesday.

Competing in the World Athletics Continental Tour Challenger event, the two-time Olympic medalist clinched the top spot with a throw of 84.52 metres, comfortably ahead of a six-man field.

The 26-year-old Olympic and World Champion edged past South African Douw Smit, who finished second with a best effort of 82.44 metres. The event marks Chopra’s first competitive outing of the year as he builds momentum toward major championships later this season.

Chopra, who holds a personal best of 89.94m, used the meet to test his early-season form and refine his rhythm. His performance reaffirmed his consistent presence among the world’s elite in javelin, as fans and analysts anticipate bigger throws in the months ahead.

Neeraj is expected to participate in more international meets leading up to the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he will look to defend his historic gold medal from Tokyo.