Indian star athlete Neeraj Chopra closely missed out on defending his Diamond League crown in the men’s javelin throw event at the Diamond League Final 2023 in Eugene, Oregon, United States.
On the opening day of the 14th Diamond League Final (September 16), Czech Republican Jakub Vadlejch won the men’s javelin throw event, and Japanese Haruka Kitaguchi clinched the historic women’s javelin throw crown.
Diamond League Final 2023
Men’s Javelin Throw: Jakub Vadlejch closely beat Neeraj Chopra to win the title
Indian star Neeraj Chopra failed to defend the men’s javelin throw title in the Diamond League Final 2023 as he closely lost to the Czech Republic’s Jakub Vadlejch.
While Jakub Vadlejch started the event with an 84.01-meter throw, the reigning Summer Olympic gold medallist Chopra managed his best throw of the day with 83.80m. However, Vadlejch had the best throw of the day with 84.24m to win the title.
Meanwhile, the defending champion Chopra’s other successful throws reached 81.37m, 80.74m, and 80.90m. So, the Indian star finished the event in the second position.
Finland’s Oliver Helander had the best throw of the day with 83.74m as he finished the third spot with a fighting spirit.
(Top 3)
Athlete (Country) | Best throw of the day |
Jakub Vadlejch (Czech Republic) | 84.24m |
Neeraj Chopra (India) | 83.80m |
Oliver Helander (Finland) | 83.74m |
Women’s Javelin Throw: Haruka Kitaguchi secured the title as the first Japanese athlete
Haruka Kitaguchi created history for Japan in the women’s javelin throw event in the Diamond League Final 2023, as she became the first Japanese athlete to win a Diamond League crown.
Kitaguchi had a throw of 63.78m to secure the historic title, while New Zealander Tori Peeters (61.30m) and Australian Mackenzie Little (61.24m) closely battled in the second and third positions, respectively.
(Top 3)
Athlete (Country) | Best throw of the day |
Haruka Kitaguchi (Japan) | 63.78m |
Tori Peeters (New Zealand) | 61.30m |
Mackenzie Little (Australia) | 61.24m |
