India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024 with a 88.77 metre throw, which was his season's best, in his first attempt during the World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary, on Friday.
He also qualified for the final of the World Athletics Championship, which will be held on Sunday, after topping Group A in the qualification round.
Germany’s Julian Weber finished in second place with his best throw of 82.39m.
India’s DP Manu also secured his spot in the final, finishing third with throws of 78.10m, 81.31m, and 72.40m.
Earlier, three-time Czech Olympic champion holder Jan Zelezny backed Chopra to break his world record throw of 98.48m.
“I think Neeraj has already achieved so many things at such a young age. He is the Olympic champion. For an athlete, that is the greatest competition you can win. He is also a World championship silver medalist. There is still a lot of time for him to achieve even more. Soon, another Olympics will be held and he is among the candidates for the gold,“ Zelezny told Sportstar.
“Neeraj just needs to stay healthy. Besides this, it is just a matter of time. There is no reason why he could not get that 90m throw. He is young and talented and knows how to manage pressure well. After winning the Olympics, he became a superstar and he handled it perfectly. Again, if he stays healthy he is going to throw even more than 90m,“ he added.
Meanwhile, Chopra is also a fan of Zelezny, something which he revealed in a YouTube video last year.
“When I searched for the javelin world record, I came across Jan Zelezny. When I saw his throw of 98.48 meters, I instantly knew he was the best in the world and started following him,” he said in the video.
Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem will also be in action during the qualification round later today.