Neeraj Chopra qualifies for World Athletics Championship Final with dominant display

The Indian star comfortably surpassed the automatic qualifying mark of 84.50 meters, showcasing his championship composure at the Japan National Stadium where he had previously won Olympic gold in 2021.

Setting Up Epic Showdown with Arshad Nadeem

The qualification round has set up a highly anticipated final clash between Chopra and Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan, scheduled for Thursday, September 18. This will mark their first encounter since the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Nadeem clinched gold with a record-breaking throw of 92.97 meters while Chopra secured silver with 89.45 meters.

The two rivals were placed in separate groups during qualification, with Chopra dominating Group A and Nadeem set to compete in Group B later in the day. While Chopra efficiently secured his final spot with his opening throw, Nadeem will need to demonstrate his Olympic form to join the 12-athlete field for Thursday's medal event.

Chopra Eyes Historic Achievement

The 27-year-old Indian athlete is pursuing an extraordinary feat – becoming only the third male javelin thrower in history to successfully defend a World Championships title. This exclusive club currently includes Czech legend Jan Zelezny (1993, 1995), who now serves as Chopra's coach, and Grenada's Anderson Peters (2019, 2022).

Chopra enters the championship with impressive 2025 credentials, having breached the coveted 90-meter mark for the first time with a national record throw of 90.23 meters at the Doha Diamond League. His previous World Championship victory came in Budapest 2023 with a throw of 88.17 meters.

Strong Field Promises Thrilling Final

The qualification round featured a star-studded field including Germany's Diamond League champion Julian Weber, who posted a second-attempt throw of 87.21 meters, serving as a warning to competitors ahead of the final. Other notable qualifiers include 2012 Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott, Czech veteran Jakub Vadlejch, and multiple world champion Anderson Peters.

India made history with their largest-ever representation in the event, featuring four athletes including Sachin Yadav, Yashvir Singh, and Rohit Yadav alongside Chopra. Sachin Yadav recorded a throw of 83.67 meters in Group A, positioning himself as a potential qualifier among the top 12 performers.

The championship marks a significant moment for both athletes, with Chopra aiming to extend his dominance while Nadeem seeks to prove his Paris Olympics victory was no fluke. The final promises to deliver one of the most compelling athletics showdowns of 2025, as these two South Asian rivals battle for javelin supremacy on the world stage.