Neeraj Chopra returns to Zurich Diamond League Final, eyes second trophy after historic 90m throw earlier this season

New Delhi (India) August 28: The two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra is India's top athlete. He will be fighting for his second Diamond League title at Zurich's storied Letzigrund Stadium. According to Indian Standard Time, Neeraj Chopra's javelin throw competition is set for tonight at 11:15 PM. The Diamond League 2025 grand finale began on Wednesday.

The stage is nothing new to Neeraj Chopra. However, since his victory at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, the two-time Olympic champion has not won a major championship. India's golden boy now has the opportunity to break that streak at the Diamond League Final in Zurich. 

Prize & Perks

The winner of this year's Diamond League Final will get a DL trophy, prize money ranging from $30,000 to $50,000. He will also get a wild card admission to the World Championships in Tokyo next month.

In 2022, Neeraj became the first Indian to win the Diamond Trophy. But he had to go for second place in the past two years. He entered the Paris Olympics as the man to win. However, Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan defeated him this time. It caused the Indian star to go home with a silver medal.

Historic 90m breakthrough

Neeraj was the first Indian to cross the legendary 90-meter mark earlier this year in Doha. After waiting for years, it was a moment of validation for Neeraj. 

He says, "I was waiting so long for 90m. People have been asking me about it since I threw 88m in 2018. It was always in my head. Now, it's over. I am happy that people are no longer asking this question."

Home support in Bengaluru

Neeraj has been solid since breaking through the 90-meter barrier in Doha in May. He defeated Weber with an 88.16-meter throw to win the Paris Diamond League. He prepared for Zurich by winning the NC Classic in Bengaluru with an 86.18-meter throw under difficult circumstances. He also missed two Diamond League games earlier this month. 

In Zurich, Neeraj will be put to the test by major player Julian Weber and current champion Anderson Peters. The Indian star, however, is committed to bring the Diamond Trophy home. 

For Chopra, this year has been quite hectic. He initially accomplished the eagerly anticipated 90-meter throw early in the season. Then on July 5 in Bengaluru, he fulfilled his dream of hosting and participating in a top-notch tournament in front of home supporters at the NC Classic.

Unfortunately, the Diamond League final featuring Neeraj Chopra will not be live-streamed by any television channel in India. However, the Wanda Diamond League YouTube account allows Indian fans to watch the javelin match.