Brussels: In a gripping finale at the 2024 Diamond League Final here, India’s javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra narrowly missed out on the top spot, falling just one centimetre short of victory. His best throw of 87.86m was eclipsed by Grenada’s Anderson Peters, who clinched the title with an 87.87m throw, leaving spectators at the King Baudouin Stadium on the edge of their seats.
Neeraj, who became the first Indian to win the prestigious Diamond League Trophy in 2022, delivered a commendable performance on a chilly evening. However, Peters, a bronze medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, struck gold with his opening-round effort, setting a high bar that would prove just out of Neeraj's reach.
Germany's Julian Weber, the 2023 European Games champion, rounded out the podium with a throw of 85.97m. The night began with a strong start from Neeraj, whose first throw of 86.82m placed him second behind Peters.
From the outset, it was clear that the battle for the title would be fierce. Neeraj pushed hard with each attempt, coming tantalisingly close on his third throw, but missed by the slimmest of margins—just one centimetre. His remaining throws, measuring 83.49m, 82.04m, 83.30m, and 86.46m, were not enough to surpass Peters’ best.
This marked Neeraj's fifth appearance in a Diamond League final, and despite the disappointment, his consistency at the highest level continues to inspire. After finishing seventh in 2017 and fourth the following year, Neeraj claimed the Diamond League crown in 2022 with a throw of 88.44m. Last year, he finished second to Czech javelin thrower Jakub Vadlejch.
In this season’s Diamond League, the 26-year-old qualified for the final after accumulating 14 points across the Doha and Lausanne meets, finishing fourth on the overall points table. His career-best throw of 89.94m, set in Stockholm last year, remains a national record, and his 89.49m effort in Lausanne just a month ago is testament to his world-class ability.
Neeraj's Paris 2024 Olympics rival, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who took home the gold in the summer, was absent from this year’s Diamond League Final, having competed only once in the series.
Though Neeraj fell agonisingly short in Brussels, his determination and skill suggest that more titles and accolades lie ahead. With his unyielding spirit and unwavering focus, Neeraj Chopra is certain to return to the global stage with renewed fire.
