Can breach 90m this year: Neeraj Chopra after finishing 2nd at Stockholm Diamond League

Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra finished second at the prestigious Diamond League Meeting on Thursday, falling slightly short of the coveted 90m mark. After finishing in the 2nd place, the 24-year-old said he is confident of breaching the elusive 90m barrier this year but is not thinking about it going into the upcoming World Championships as he feels that it would only add extra pressure. 

“Today, I feel good and after the first throw, I thought I could throw even over 90m today. But it is OK as I have more competitions coming this year,” Chopra said.

Also Read: Watch: Neeraj Chopra’s 86.69m javelin throw that won him gold at Kuortane Games

In his three outings this season, the Olympian has improved his personal best twice. He first recorded an 89.30m throw at the Paavo Nurmi Games last month before sending his spear to 89.94m on Thursday. 

“I am close to 90m now and I can throw it this year. Despite the fact that I did not win tonight, I feel very good because I did my best.”

Also Read: Neeraj Chopra smashes own national record with 89.30 metre javelin throw. Watch

On Thursday, Chopra finished second behind Grenada’s Anderson Peters, who had the best throw of 90.31m in his third attempt.

“When Anderson Peters crossed 90 metres, I too felt that I had to do it. I had that in mind that everything should be perfect, the javelin should go in one line and the technique should be perfect. When everything is perfect then only you can throw such long distance,” the Indian said.

“There was competition but I am happy that my all throws were quite good. I am happy with the performance. I am playing after a long time and will look to give my best in the next competition.”

Also Read: Watch | Neeraj Chopra, other Olympians, felicitated by BCCI ahead of IPL opener

Chopra will next compete at the World Championships which is scheduled to be held in Eugene, USA from July 15 to 24.

“I will come to know about that (form) in Oregon. Every competition, every day is different. When I start playing in Oregon I will get to know if I am feeling the pressure of being an Olympic champion. I play with a free mind, pressure is not there in my mind. I train hard and try to give my 100 per cent in competition,” he said.