Doha, Jun 20: Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra finished fourth in the Doha Diamond League, marking his return to competition after a lengthy injury layoff.
Competing in his first event of the 2026 season, Chopra registered a best throw of 85.69 metres in his third attempt. Although he narrowly missed a podium finish, his performance comfortably surpassed the 82.61m qualification mark set by the Athletics Federation of India for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The 28-year-old had delayed the start of his season after suffering a back injury ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Following rehabilitation in Turkey, Chopra resumed training in Switzerland before making his comeback in Doha.
Sri Lanka’s rising star Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage clinched the title with a throw of 88.68m, while Grenada’s Andersen Peters finished second with 86.38m. American Curtis Thompson secured third place with 85.99m, pushing Chopra to fourth.
The result marked the first time in four years that Chopra has finished outside the top two in a Diamond League event. Despite the setback, his return after injury and successful qualification for the Commonwealth Games were seen as positive signs ahead of the major competitions later this season.
Chopra had won the Doha Diamond League in 2023 and finished runner-up in both 2024 and 2025, including a personal milestone throw of 90.23m last year. His focus will now shift towards regaining top form ahead of the Commonwealth Games and other international events.
