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India's Neeraj Chopra did not let the burden of expectation get to him as he hurled the javelin to a distance of 86.65m in his very first throw in the qualification round to secure a place in the final. Not only did he became the first Indian ever to reach the final, he did it in some style by topping the qualification round. The previous best performance in qualification round of an athletics event was of Kamalpreet Kaur, that too in this year's Olympics when she finished second in the women's discus throw quarters.
Chopra went 15th in Group A and was one of the only three throwers to breach the automatic qualification mark set at 83.50m.
With India's only remote chance of a medal in athletics depending on Chopra's performance in the final, everyone would be eager to watch him perform in the finale. And with him looking in good form in the build-up to the final, bettering even the throw of gold medal contender and world number 1 Vetter Johannes, perhaps Chopra could script history at Tokyo 2020.
Ahead of the final on Saturday, here are all the details that you need to know about the crucial event.
When is Neeraj Chopra's Tokyo 2020 javelin throw final round?
Neeraj Chopra's Tokyo 2020 javelin throw final round is scheduled on August 7. As per the Tokyo 2020 Olympics official website, the match will begin at 4:30 PM (IST). Chopra is number 2 on the starting list with a personal best of 88.07 and a world ranking of 16. Notably, Thorkildsen Andreas is the Olympic record holder with a 90.57 m throw in 2008.
Where to watch Neeraj Chopra's Tokyo 2020 javelin throw final round?
Neeraj Chopra's Tokyo 2020 javelin throw final round can be watched live on the Sony Sports Network in India. It will be telecasted on Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 3, Sony Ten 4 or Sony Six with various commentary options.
Can the match be streamed online?
Neeraj Chopra's Tokyo 2020 javelin throw final round at Tokyo 2020 can be streamed online on the Sony Liv App. Viewers can also watch it on https://www.sonyliv.com
Watch the video here: