India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has won the gold medal in Federation Cup 2024 on Wednesday (May 15) with a 82.27 metre throw. This was Chopra’s first event in India since winning the historic gold medal at 2022 Tokyo Olympics. He last participated in the Federation Cup in 2021 and had won the gold with 87.80-metre throw.

Neeraj took time to get going in his first tournament on the home soil in three years and was placed second after three rounds. He took the lead in the fourth round with a throw of 82.27-metre which eventually proved the winning distance.

Chopra did not take his last two attempts as he was already ahead of DP Manu, who won silver with 82.06-metre throw, and had exhausted all his attempts. The bronze went to Uttam Balasaheb Patil for 75.49-metre throw.

“It was nice to compete in India after so long. Thanks to all the fans who came out to support us today,” Neeraj said after winning the gold.

The gold comes on the back of Neeraj’s second-place finish in the recently concluded Diamond League in Doha where he registered an impressive throw of 88.36-metre. The ace thrower is looking to not only beat the elusive 90 metre mark but also staying fit and healthy ahead of the Paris Olympics.

“I really want to break the barrier this year. Even last year, I had said that Doha is famous for 90m. But, we were not lucky due to too much headwind. Obviously, it is the Olympics year and India is a big country and everyone expects gold always. My focus is to just stay healthy and concentrate on my technique. And yes, if I stay healthy everything will be good,” he had said after finishing second in Doha.

The Paris Olympics 2024 will start on July 26 and Neeraj will be entering as one of the favourites to win the gold once again.

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