Diamond League Finals: Olympic gold medalist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra scripted history by becoming the 1st Indian to win the prestigious Diamond League Finals title in Zurich.
Key Highlights:
- He won the prestigious Diamond League Finals in Zurich by securing Gold Medal with a throw of 88.44 metres.
- The 24-year Gold Medallist finished ahead of Czech Republic's Jakub Vadlejch and Germany's Julian Webber.
- Olympic silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch of Czech Republic finished second with a best throw of 86.94m which he registered in his fourth attempt.
- Julian Weber of Germany was third with a best of 83.73m.
- The fact that his three throws in the Diamond League Final were superior to those of the other competitors can be used to measure his dominance on the field.
- He began with a foul but jumped to the top spot with a throw of 88.44m in his second attempt, and that turned out to be his winning effort.
- He had 88.00m, 86.11m, 87.00m and 83.60m in his next four throws.
- India’s ace javelin thrower was presented with a Diamond Trophy along with USD 30,000 prize money.
- His victory also earned him a wildcard entry at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
Achievement:
- Neeraj Chopra, just in 13 months’ time is now the Olympic gold medallist, World Championships silver medallist and Diamond League champion.
- He had won the Olympic gold on August 7 last year in Tokyo.
- He holds the national record of 89.94m, which he achieved this season.
Diamond League:
- The Diamond League Finals can be considered as the most prestigious competition outside of Olympics and World Championships.
- The league comprises 32 Diamond Disciplines, which athletes complete in a championship model.
- Athletes have to earn points at the 13-series meet to qualify for the finals in their respective disciplines.
- The winner of each Diamond Discipline at the Final will be crowned 'Diamond League Champion'.
