Neeraj Chopra makes comeback at Doha Diamond League after injury layoff

Doha Diamond League: Neeraj Chopra Returns to Action, Faces Sri Lanka's Rumesh Pathirage

NEW DELHI: Indian javelin ace Neeraj Chopra is set to make his much-anticipated return to competition at the Doha Diamond League on Friday, marking his first event since the World Championships in September last year. The 28-year-old, who had been sidelined by a back injury, finished eighth in that event with a throw of 84.03m and has since focused on recovery and training.

Chopra has fond memories of the Doha venue, where he crossed the coveted 90m mark for the first time in his career during the Diamond League in May last year, recording a throw of 90.23m to finish second behind Germany's Julian Weber, who threw 91.06m. After completing his rehabilitation in Turkey, Chopra resumed training in Switzerland and was added to the Doha field at the last minute after declaring himself fit to compete.

Speaking ahead of the event, Chopra revealed that he began throwing again about six weeks ago and made the decision to compete in Doha after his final training session. "I started throwing one and a half months ago, and we took our time. Then I asked Doha (organisers) if it's possible if I let them know in a very short period, like one week ago. They said yes, and then we decided after my last session, okay, let's compete in Doha," Chopra said.

When asked about his goals for the competition, Chopra expressed optimism but avoided making bold predictions. "I will try my best. I feel really good and fit, let's see tomorrow," he said.

Chopra will face a formidable challenge in Doha, with a strong field headlined by Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage. The 24-year-old has been in sensational form, becoming only the fourth Asian athlete to cross the 90m mark with a massive throw of 92.62m at the Rome Diamond League earlier this month. That performance not only made him the world leader this season but also placed him among the top contenders in Doha.

Pathirage's throw surpassed Chopra's personal best of 90.23m and ranks as one of the longest throws in history. He recently claimed victory at the Golden Spike meet in Ostrava with a throw of 86.57m. The upcoming event in Doha will mark only the third meeting between Chopra and Pathirage, with their head-to-head record currently tied at 1-1.

Reflecting on his Sri Lankan counterpart's achievements, Chopra praised Pathirage, calling him a "good friend" and commending his contributions to Sri Lankan athletics. Pathirage has competed in several events in India since 2024, including the National Inter-State Championships and the South Asian Athletics Championships, making him a familiar name to Indian fans.

The Doha lineup also features an impressive roster of competitors, including reigning world champion Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago, two-time world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada, and athletes like Curtis Thompson (USA), Julius Yego (Kenya), Jakub Vadlejch (Czech Republic), Mohamed Huseein Ahmed Sameh (Egypt), and Artur Felfner (Ukraine). However, Pakistan's Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem, who was initially expected to compete, has withdrawn from the event.

As Chopra returns to action after a long injury layoff, all eyes will be on the Indian star to see if he can quickly regain his rhythm and challenge the world's best once again.