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Neeraj Chopra endured his worst finish since 2018, placing eighth at the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo with a best throw of 84.03m. The Olympic and World Champion, who has consistently medalled at global events over the past seven years, admitted to back issues that hampered his performance. A look at his results since 2018 highlights how rare such an outcome is for India’s javelin superstar.

India is sending a 19-member squad, spearheaded by javelin star Neeraj Chopra, to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo from September 13-21. Chopra aims to defend his title, and history will be made with four Indian men competing in the javelin event. Sprinter Animesh Kujur is also set to become the first Indian to participate in the men’s 200m.

World Athletics Vice President Adille Sumariwalla supports Neeraj Chopra for the World Athletics Championships. He anticipates a strong showing from Chopra, despite a recent second-place finish. Sumariwalla expects a good competition between Chopra and Julian Weber. He also predicts India will improve upon its performance from the previous year's World Championships.

Neeraj Chopra playfully suggested Brett Lee's athleticism in his prime could have helped him excel in javelon. This prompted a humble and humorous response from the former Australian fast bowler.

Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra believes Jasprit Bumrah possesses the fitness and strength to excel in javelin throw, highlighting the crossover of athletic abilities. Bumrah's impressive 2024 performance includes 78 wickets in 15 Test matches, leading all fast bowlers globally in wickets and overs bowled.