Indian javelin throw superstar Neeraj Chopra began his 2025 athletics season with a gold at the Potch Invitational Meet in Potchefstroom, South Africa. He made a modest throw of 84.52m at the iconic McArthur Stadium on Wednesday.
The two-time Olympic medallist finished ahead of 25-year-old South African javelin thrower Douw Smit and Duncan Robertson who rounded off the podium.
Smit, with a best mark of 82.44m on the day, and Chopra were the only two athletes in a six-man field who managed to breach the 80m-mark at the Potch Invitational Meet 2025.
Potch Invitational Meet 2025: Javelin throw results
- Neeraj Chopra – 84.52m
- Douw Smit – 82.44m
- Duncan Robertson – 71.22m
- Armand Willemse – 69.58m
- Marques Olivier – 68.01m
- Jan-Hendrik Heymans – 65.59m
Chopra’s Upcoming Events
Notably, Potchefstroom was Neeraj’s first outing since finishing second at the 2024 Diamond League Final last September.
The appearance at Potchefstroom marks a breakaway from Neeraj’s usual trend of opening his seasons at the Doha Diamond League. That’s were he had started his 2023 and 2024 athletics seasons.
The javelin throw ace is now expected to launch his elite-level competitions at the Doha Diamond League on 16 May. He will also likely to feature World Athletics Continental Tour javelin throw event in India in May.
All these events will come en route to his title defence at the World Championships at the upcoming edition set to take place at Tokyo’s National Stadium this year.
Also Read: Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 Ready To Be Held In May 2025
In a significant change, Neeraj parted ways with his long-time coach Klaus Bartonietz and began working with the legendary Jan elezn ahead of the 2025 season. His new coach is a three-time Olympic and world champion. Potchefstroom was his first event under Bartonietz.
Neeraj Chopra’s personal best and the Indian national record stand at 89.94m – a mark achieved at the Stockholm Diamond League 2022.
