Neeraj Chopra Takes Ostrava Golden Spike Title, Remains Focused on Improvement

Chopra Claims Ostrava Golden Spike Title, But Seeks Improvement

Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra won the javelin throw title in the Ostrava Golden Spike 2025 (Image via IANS)

Neeraj Chopra secured victory at the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event in Ostrava on Tuesday, achieving a best throw of 85.29m. However, the Olympic champion expressed a degree of dissatisfaction with his own performance, despite clinching the Golden Spike title on his debut at the meet.

Chopra led the field of nine athletes, achieving his winning throw in the third round. His series included a foul on his first attempt, followed by 83.45m on his second.

"I am not that happy with my performance today, but I am very happy with the trophy I won," Chopra stated. "I used to watch this meeting a lot as a kid. I watched people like Jan Zelezny and Usain Bolt winning the Golden Spike and I dreamt of winning one as well. Now the dream has come true," the two-time Olympic medalist added, according to PTI.

His subsequent throws were measured at 82.17m and 81.01m, with a foul concluding his final round. "I know the javelin throw is very popular in Czechia. The amount of support we were getting from the crowd was crazy. I just wish I could have performed better for them," Chopra commented. He previously surpassed the 90m mark at the Doha Diamond League in May, where he finished second.

The 27-year-old athlete has demonstrated consistent form this season, including a Diamond League victory in Paris just prior to the Ostrava Golden Spike meet. Chopra is scheduled to compete next at the NC Classic in Bengaluru on July 5, where he will face competitors Anderson Peters and Thomas Rohler.

Despite not fully meeting his personal expectations, particularly with the enthusiastic crowd in attendance, Chopra's performance was sufficient to secure the prestigious Golden Spike title.

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