Neeraj Chopra Doha Diamond League 2025 Highlights: Neeraj Chopra finishes second despite a 90.23m throw; Parul Chaudhary sets new NR in 3000m steeplechase

A strong run from India’s Parul Chaudhary saw her set a new national record in the women’s 3000m steeplechase, clocking 9:13.39 to finish a commendable sixth in a high-quality field in Doha.

With this performance, Chaudhary not only raised the national benchmark but also improved significantly on her 16th-place Diamond League debut in Eugene last year.

What a night for Neeraj Chopra. The Indian star finally cleared the 90m barrier in Doha with a huge throw of 90.23m, but lost the tournament to Germany's Julian Weber, who came up with a winning throw of 91.06m in his final attempt.

With this milestone, the 27-year-old Olympic and World Champion became only the third Asian—and 25th athlete in history—to cross the coveted 90m mark. His name now joins an elite list that includes his coach and world record holder Jan Zelezny.

Chopra’s achievement also places him alongside Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem (92.97m) and Chinese Taipei’s Chao-Tsun Cheng (91.36m) as the only Asians to have recorded throws over 90 metres. The historic moment marks a major personal and continental milestone in Chopra’s already illustrious career.

Germany's Julian Weber came up with a huge 89.84m in his fifth attempt to remain solid in second behind Neeraj Chopra.

Neeraj threw 80.56m in his fourth attempt and his fifth was a foul throw.

Kishore Jena threw 74.80m in his fourth attempt.

Germany's Julian Weber came up with a throw of 89.06m in his third round to jump to second behind Neeraj Chopra.

Kishore Jena had a foul throw in his third attempt and is at 8th position.

A new national record for Neeraj Chopra - 90.23m in his third attempt.

What a moment for Neeraj Chopra!

The Indian star smashes the 90-metre barrier for the first time in his career with a colossal throw of 90.23m in the third round.

He becomes the 25th man to cross the 90m barrier

India’s Kishore Jena began with a below-par throw of 68.07m but bounced back strongly with a season-best 78.60m on his second attempt.

Neeraj Chopra, after a foul on his second throw, continues to lead the field thanks to his impressive opening effort of 88.44m.

India's Gulveer Singh clocked 13:24.32 to finish 9th in his debut Diamond League competition.

Kenya's Reynold Cheruiyot delivers a thrilling victory in the men’s 5000m. The 21-year-old tracked was behind Samuel Tefera and Dominic Lobalu through the closing laps before unleashing a devastating kick over the final 200 metres, leaving the field in his wake. He crossed the line in 13:16.40 — a personal best in just the second 5000m race of his career. It also marks his maiden Diamond League triumph, sealing a memorable night for the rising Kenyan star.

The men’s javelin throw is underway — and what a sensational start from Neeraj Chopra!

The Indian superstar launches a world-leading 88.44m on his very first attempt, setting the tone for the competition.

India's Gulveer Singh is in action as men's 5000m race begins in Doha. Singh is making his Diamond League debut today.

It was a thrilling photo finish in the women’s 100m as Jamaica’s Tia Clayton stormed to victory with a blazing 10.92, finishing a full tenth of a second ahead of her twin sister Tina Clayton in second. Britain’s Amy Hunt clocked a personal best of 11.03 to edge out sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who settled for fourth in her much-anticipated return to Diamond League competition. (Photo credit: Doha DL)

Jamaica’s Rasheed Broadbell clocked a season’s best of 13.14 to win the men’s 110m hurdles. Daniel Roberts had a strong start, while Jamal Britt was in contention until he clipped the final hurdle.

Less than 10 minutes to go before India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra takes the field. Kishore Jena is also set to compete.

Molly Caudery secured her first victory of the season with a confident clearance of 4.75m, emerging as the only athlete to surpass the mark in challenging conditions. Battling a tricky, swirling wind that caused difficulties for much of the field, Caudery’s performance stood out on a tough night. Italy’s Roberta Bruni and USA’s Katie Moon shared the runner-up spot with clearances of 4.63m. (Pic credit: Doha DL)

While Chopra has now settled with Zelezny, he expressed deep respect and affection for Klaus Bartonietz, under whom he reached the pinnacle of global athletics.

From Tokyo 2021 to the World Championships, Bartonietz was instrumental in shaping Chopra’s biomechanics and competitive technique.

However, at 76, the German coach decided to step away to prioritize time with family.

Chopra revealed that he was keen to continue working with Klaus but respected his decision. Their journey together, marked by Olympic and World titles, remains one of the most successful coach-athlete partnerships in Indian athletics history.

Neeraj Chopra and Kishore Jena in the men's javelin throw at 10:13 pm IST

Gulveer Singh in the men's 5000m at 10:15 pm IST

Parul Chaudhary in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at 11:14 pm IST

Chopra shared that training outside India allows him to stay focused and maintain consistency in preparation. South Africa and Europe are preferred destinations, offering an environment free from distractions and social obligations back home.

Competing with elite international athletes during these training stints has enhanced his mindset and sharpened his competitive edge.

Unlike in India, where his celebrity status demands additional commitments, Chopra finds clarity and discipline abroad. This structure has helped him avoid injuries, maintain top form, and ensure he doesn’t miss any training sessions — crucial for an athlete targeting peak performance at every meet.

Neeraj Chopra spoke candidly about his transition to Jan Zelezny’s coaching style after parting ways with longtime coach Klaus Bartonietz. He admitted it was challenging at first, citing major differences in training approaches.

While Klaus focused on a segmented training routine, Zelezny, a javelin legend himself, implements dual-session days involving both throwing and lifting.

Over time, Chopra has adjusted well and credits Zelezny not only for technical refinement but also for mental toughness.

Training under a three-time Olympic gold medallist has boosted Chopra’s confidence as he eyes another successful season, starting with Doha.

On the eve of the Doha Diamond League, Neeraj Chopra on Thursday addressed a growing curiosity about his rapport with Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who defeated him at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Chopra clarified that while the two share mutual respect as athletes, they were never close friends.

The decorated Indian javelin thrower stated that due to rising Indo-Pak tensions, “things won’t be the same.”

His family had faced social media backlash for inviting Nadeem to the now-postponed NC Classic in Bengaluru, although invitations were sent before the Pahalgam terror attack. Chopra emphasised respect as the basis for any athlete interaction.

Neeraj Chopra has found a rhythm in Doha over the years, often using it as his international season launch pad.

In 2023, he won the Doha leg with a big throw, and in 2024, he missed out narrowly to Anderson Peters.

This year, expectations are high once again, as the star athlete eyes not just a podium but potentially the hallowed 90m throw.

Doha will serve as a critical litmus test for Neeraj’s form, fitness, and focus in what could be a defining season in his already illustrious career.

Joining the javelin stars are Parul Chaudhary and Gulveer Singh, making this India’s biggest Diamond League representation ever.

Parul, the national record holder in the 3000m steeplechase, will look to improve on her 16th-place finish from her DL debut at Eugene last year.

Gulveer, meanwhile, makes his Diamond League debut in the men’s 5000m, armed with a national record of 13:11.82 set in Japan.

Both runners are among India’s brightest middle-distance prospects and will be keen to convert domestic dominance into international success at one of track and field’s most prestigious stages.

Silver medallist at the 2023 Asian Games, Kishore Jena is back on the big stage, hoping to revive form after recent struggles.

Jena will join Neeraj Chopra in the men’s javelin event and will aim to improve on his Diamond League debut performance from last year, where he finished ninth in Doha.

The Odisha-born athlete had a breakthrough year in 2023 but has faced a challenging run since.

Doha presents a fresh opportunity, albeit a tough one, with a field that includes world-class names like Grenada’s Anderson Peters, who edged Neeraj by just one centimetre in 2024.

Olympic champion and reigning world champion Neeraj Chopra will spearhead India’s largest-ever contingent at the 2025 Doha Diamond League, to be held at Qatar Sports Club today.

Chopra, who won the event in 2023 and finished second in 2024, has made Doha his season-opening stage in recent years. Following a solid outing at the Potch Invitational Meet in April, where he threw 84.52m, Neeraj will look to build momentum.

He is also eyeing the elusive 90m mark — his personal best stands at 89.94m, which remains the Indian national record.