Did Neeraj Chopra Really Cross 90 Meters?
India’s Golden Boy Neeraj Chopra makes history with a 90.23m javelin throw at the Doha Diamond League 2025, earning global recognition and national pride.
Historic Feat ! 🇮🇳
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) May 17, 2025
Heartiest congratulations to our javelin star Neeraj Chopra for breaching the 90m barrier for the very first time with a throw of 90.23m, securing 2nd place at the Doha Diamond League, 2025. pic.twitter.com/pU55TpFb5g
Yes, and it’s official — Neeraj Chopra has breached the 90-meter mark, becoming the first Indian javelin thrower to do so. The achievement took place on May 16, 2025, at the Doha Diamond League, one of the most prestigious athletic meets in the world. In his third attempt, Chopra hurled the javelin an astonishing 90.23 metres, surpassing his previous personal best of 89.94m and rewriting the Indian national record. Despite the historic throw, Chopra placed second, with Germany’s Julian Weber edging ahead at 91.06 metres. But placement aside, this throw cements Chopra’s name in global athletics—he now joins an exclusive club of just 25 athletes worldwide to ever cross the 90m threshold in javelin history. That number alone showcases how elite this performance truly is.
This milestone was particularly special because it marked Chopra’s season opener and his first major competition under new coach Jan Železný—the world record holder in javelin himself. Under Železný’s mentorship, Chopra seems poised to reach even greater heights.
What Does This Mean for Indian Sports?
Neeraj Chopra’s 90.23m throw is more than a personal victory—it’s a historic breakthrough for Indian athletics. For decades, Indian track and field athletes struggled to make a mark at the global level. But Chopra, an Olympic gold medalist, has been redefining that narrative since 2021. Crossing the 90m mark is often seen as a rite of passage for legendary javelin throwers. It’s a distance that separates the good from the great. For an Indian athlete to do this is game-changing—it signals that India is no longer a participant but a real contender on the global stage.
Chopra’s achievement is likely to inspire a new generation of athletes and improve the overall perception of athletics in India. The elite javelin club he has entered includes names like Jan Železný, Andreas Thorkildsen, and Johannes Vetter—and now, Neeraj Chopra from India. This also opens doors for more funding, infrastructure, and international coaching collaborations in Indian track and field. It is a sporting milestone that will likely be remembered for decades.
How Did India React? PM Modi Leads the Cheers
The moment Neeraj Chopra crossed the 90m mark, India erupted with pride—and the nation’s top leadership led the way. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to congratulate Chopra, calling it a “spectacular feat.”
"Spectacular feat..." PM Modi hails Neeraj Chopra for crossing 90m mark
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) May 17, 2025
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/NFWG22yTjD#PMModi #NeerajChopra pic.twitter.com/n3vQX49rxE
“Congratulations to Neeraj Chopra for breaching the 90 m mark at Doha Diamond League 2025 and achieving his personal best throw. This is the outcome of his relentless dedication, discipline, and passion. India is elated and proud.”
The reaction wasn’t just symbolic—it reflected the emotional investment of a nation in its brightest sporting star. Chopra’s feat was also celebrated by the Indian Army, of which he is a proud member, and fans across the globe, who see him as one of the finest ambassadors of Indian sports. For many, this moment is about more than sports. It’s about breaking barriers, challenging limits, and proving that with discipline and vision, Indian athletes can stand tall with the world’s best.
