The weight of expectation rests on Neeraj Chopra’s shoulders as he steps into Stade Charléty, Paris, for the 2025 Diamond League meet on June 20-21. Fresh off historic 90m+ throws but denied victory twice by Germany’s Julian Weber, the Olympic champion seeks his first major title of the season against a field featuring five elite javelin throwers capable of breaching the coveted 90-meter mark.
The Rivalry: Chopra vs. Weber – Round 3
Neeraj’s 2025 campaign tells a story of soaring achievement tinged with frustration. In May, he finally shattered the 90m barrier with a monumental 90.23m throw at the Doha Diamond League—only to see Weber unleash a 91.06m stunner on the final attempt to snatch gold . A week later, under chilly Polish skies at the Janusz Kusocinski Memorial, Weber again prevailed (86.12m vs. Neeraj’s 84.14m) . This Paris clash marks their third high-stakes duel this year, with Neeraj determined to flip the script.
“There is no need to motivate Neeraj. He knows it’s sport… you have to be prepared to counter,” remarked his former coach Klaus Bartonietz, hinting at the Indian star’s legendary mental resilience.
The Stellar Field: Five 90m+ Giants
Paris boasts arguably the deepest javelin field of 2025. Alongside Chopra and Weber, three other titans bring 90m credentials:
- Anderson Peters (Grenada): 2x World Champion with a PB of 93.07m, though seeking form (SB: 85.64m).
- Julius Yego (Kenya): 2015 World Champion famed for “YouTube javelin” technique (PB: 92.72m).
- Keshorn Walcott (Trinidad & Tobago): 2012 Olympic gold medalist (PB: 90.16m).
Rounding out the contenders are Brazil’s Luiz Mauricio Da Silva (SB: 86.34m), Moldova’s Andrian Mardare, and France’s Rémi Rougetet, ensuring no easy throws.
Paris Redemption: A Venue of History
This meet marks Neeraj’s first Paris Diamond League appearance since 2017, where he finished fifth (84.67m) as a rising junior star . The venue, Stade Charléty, also witnessed his Olympic silver medal (89.45m) at the 2024 Paris Games—a memory fueling his quest for dominance.
How to Watch Neeraj Chopra Live in India
- Event: Men’s Javelin Throw – Paris Diamond League 2025
- Date & Time: 1:12 AM IST, Saturday, June 21 (Friday night in Paris)
- Venue: Stade Sébastien Charléty, Paris
- TV Broadcast: None in India
- Live Streaming: FREE on Wanda Diamond League YouTube channel
Why This Meet Matters Beyond Gold
- Breaking the Ice: Victory here would inject momentum before July’s Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru—a World Athletics Continental Tour event he hosts.
- Technical Validation: Under new coach Jan Železný (world record holder), analysts watch for refinements in Neeraj’s approach. Former coach Bartonietz believes 90m is just the beginning: “He will now go for 92m, 93m or 94m”.
- World Championships Preview: With Tokyo’s World Championships looming, outperforming rivals like Peters and Weber builds psychological leverage.
The Road Ahead: A Grueling Schedule
Post-Paris, Neeraj faces a relentless tour:
- June 24: Golden Spike Ostrava (Czech Republic)
- July 5: Neeraj Chopra Classic (Bengaluru)
FAQ: Neeraj Chopra at Paris Diamond League 2025
Q1: When is Neeraj Chopra competing in the Paris Diamond League 2025?
A: Neeraj competes at 1:12 AM IST on Saturday, June 21, 2025 (Friday night local time in Paris).
Q2: Where can I watch live streaming in India?
A: Free live streaming is available on the Wanda Diamond League YouTube channel. No TV broadcast in India.
Q3: Why hasn’t Neeraj won a Diamond League event in 2025 yet?
A: He threw a PB 90.23m in Doha but lost to Julian Weber’s 91.06m. In Poland, weather impacted performances (Weber won with 86.12m).
Q4: Who are Neeraj’s biggest rivals in Paris?
A: Key threats include:
. Julian Weber (Germany, 2025 Doha champion)
. Anderson Peters (Grenada, 2x World Champion)
. Keshorn Walcott (Trinidad, Olympic gold medalist)
Q5: What makes this Paris event significant for Neeraj?
A: It’s his first Paris DL since 2017, at the same stadium where he won 2024 Olympic silver. A win here would be his first 2025 Diamond League title.
Final Thoughts: The Hunger for 91m+
Neeraj Chopra’s season has teased greatness—the cathartic 90m breakthrough in Doha, the gritty cold-weather silver in Poland. Yet, the absence of a 2025 major gold gnaws at a champion accustomed to topping podiums. With archrival Weber in peak form and a stadium where he’s tasted Olympic glory, Paris offers the perfect stage for Neeraj to unleash not just a winning throw, but a statement.
As the clock strikes 1:12 AM IST on June 21, a nation will tune into YouTube, hoping to witness the spear fly farther than ever—a triumphant arc toward gold, and perhaps, toward the 94m horizon his coaches envision.