NEW DELHI: At the season-opening Diamond League meet in Doha on Friday, all eyes were on Indian star Neeraj Chopra, who finally broke the elusive 90m barrier with a superb 90.23m throw.
But one notable name missing from the javelin throw lineup was Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, the reigning Olympics gold medallist.
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Nadeem’s absence wasn’t due to injury or form issues, it was part of a planned training strategy.
The 27-year-old is currently focused on preparing for the Asian Athletics Championships, set to take place in Gumi, South Korea, from May 27 to 31.
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According to his coaching team, Nadeem will depart for South Korea on May 22, prioritising peak performance at the continental event over early-season showings like the Diamond League.
While Nadeem sat this one out, Chopra and Germany's Julian Weber made a statement in Doha.
Under the guidance of legendary coach Jan Zelezny, the world record holder, Chopra became only the third Asian and 25th athlete in history to breach the 90m mark.
His 90.23m effort wasn’t enough to win, though, as Weber edged ahead with a final-throw bomb of 91.06m. Still, for Chopra, it was a massive psychological and physical breakthrough.
Video
Chopra credited Zelezny’s presence and ideal weather conditions for his performance and expressed confidence that even longer throws are possible this season. As the reigning world champion, Chopra will head into the World Championships in Tokyo (Sept 13–21) with high momentum.
"I am very happy that Jan Zelezny is my coach, and we worked very hard in South Africa. We are still working on some aspects. My next goal remains 90m," he said.
But one notable name missing from the javelin throw lineup was Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, the reigning Olympics gold medallist.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
Nadeem’s absence wasn’t due to injury or form issues, it was part of a planned training strategy.
The 27-year-old is currently focused on preparing for the Asian Athletics Championships, set to take place in Gumi, South Korea, from May 27 to 31.
Also See: IPL Live Score, RCB vs KKR
According to his coaching team, Nadeem will depart for South Korea on May 22, prioritising peak performance at the continental event over early-season showings like the Diamond League.
🇮🇳 Neeraj Chopra joined the 90m club at the 🇶🇦 Doha Diamond League with a 90.23m throw — a personal best and new national record. He’s the 25th man to breach 90m, joining coach 🇨🇿 Jan Zelezny
— TOI Sports (@toisports) May 17, 2025
🇩🇪 Julian Weber also entered the club with a 91.06m throw in his final attempt pic.twitter.com/88A5jPy0eA
While Nadeem sat this one out, Chopra and Germany's Julian Weber made a statement in Doha.
Under the guidance of legendary coach Jan Zelezny, the world record holder, Chopra became only the third Asian and 25th athlete in history to breach the 90m mark.
His 90.23m effort wasn’t enough to win, though, as Weber edged ahead with a final-throw bomb of 91.06m. Still, for Chopra, it was a massive psychological and physical breakthrough.
Video
Chopra credited Zelezny’s presence and ideal weather conditions for his performance and expressed confidence that even longer throws are possible this season. As the reigning world champion, Chopra will head into the World Championships in Tokyo (Sept 13–21) with high momentum.
"I am very happy that Jan Zelezny is my coach, and we worked very hard in South Africa. We are still working on some aspects. My next goal remains 90m," he said.
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