Neeraj Chopra will be looking to defend his Diamond League title starting from Doha which will take place on Friday, May 5. The Olympic Gold Medallist will be joined by the world champion Anderso n Peters and Olympic silver medallist Jakub Vadlech at the event. The Diamond League will kick off with one of 14- single day events after which the finals will be held at Eugene in the USA on September 16-17.
Chopra missed the Doha Diamond League and the Commonwealth Games last year through an injury. The event was won by Anderson Peters with a throw of 93.34 meters which is now the fifth longest in history. The Indian star is aspiring to break the 90m barrier in the new season while speaking to the Diamond League website.
He said “While last year was a good year for me with a new personal best, world silver medal, and the win of the Wanda Diamond League, this year brings new opportunities. My goal for this summer is the World Championships, alongside the Asian Games and the defence of my Wanda Diamond League title. I’m also getting closer to the 90m mark, so it would mean a lot for me to break that barrier.”
The 25-year-old also thanked the fans for their constant support throughout last year’s season. He said, “I’m always overwhelmed by the warm support I get from Indians across the world and in Qatar that is particularly special, so I’m looking forward to opening my 2023 Wanda Diamond League season in Doha alongside a group of incredible athletes, in front of a passionate crowd.”
The champion trio will be accompanied by European champion Julian Weber, world fourth-place finisher with a best of 89.54m, former Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott (90.16m); and 2016 Olympic silver medallist Julius Yego