Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra is looking forward to competing in front of one of athletics' most passionate crowds when he returns to the Wanda Diamond League meeting in Doha for the third year in a row in 2025.
Olympic silver medallist Chopra will launch his 2025 Wanda Diamond League campaign at the Jetour Doha Meeting on May 16, as he looks to regain the series title he last won back in 2022.
Chopra has form in Doha, having claimed victory at the Qatar Sports Club with a world lead of 88.67m in 2023. Ahead of his third appearance at the meeting, he said he was looking forward to more passionate support from Indian fans in Qatar.
“I’m always overwhelmed by the support I get from the Indian people in Qatar - there aren’t enough words to thank them,” said the 27-year-old who is now coached by Jan Železný (CZE), the world javelin record holder (98.48m) and a multiple Olympic and world champion.
Chopra is an icon in his home country, having become the first Indian track and field athlete to win Olympic gold and World Championship gold, as well as the first Indian ever to win a Diamond League meeting and the Diamond League title.
He narrowly missed out on more glory last season, finishing second to Arshad Nadeem in the Olympic final and to Anderson Peters at the Diamond League Final in Brussels.
“Last year taught me a lot, but I was proud to be on the podium for India once again at the Olympic Games. I’m now fully fit and really enjoying the hard work that Jan Železný and I are putting in. I’m looking forward to opening my season in Doha. The crowd at the Qatar Sports Club is always loud, and I think that brings out the best in all of us. I know the fans expect big things from me when I compete here - and with good conditions and a great atmosphere that’s definitely possible - but I pride myself on my consistency, which I believe is one of my greatest strengths. For me, that’s more important than just chasing a number.”
The Wanda Diamond League is the elite one-day meeting series in global athletics. It comprises 15 of the most prestigious events in global track and field. Athletes compete for points at the 14 series meetings in a bid to qualify for the two-day Wanda Diamond League Final, which will be held in Zurich on 27 and 28 August 2025.
