India Prime Minister, Modi hails Neeraj Chopra’s Diamond League feat

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed reigning Olympics Javelin champion, Neeraj Chopra on his impressive outing at the opening leg of the 2023 Diamond League meetings in Doha on Friday.

The reigning Wanda Diamond League champion got his title race off to an explosive start by throwing a world leading 88.67m in the first round of the competition.

It was his third longest throw ever since he threw over 89m twice last season and this has earned him plaudits from India’s number one citizen.

‘First event of the year and first position!. With the World lead throw of 88.67m, @Neeraj_chopra1 shines at the Doha Diamond League. Congratulations to him! Best wishes for the endeavours ahead,’ Modi wrote on twitter.

Chopra made history as the first Indian Olympian to win a gold medal in athletics, and the first post-independence Indian Olympic medalist in athletics.

The 25 year old who won a silver medal at the World Championships in Oregon last year is delighted to start the year with a huge throw and a win.

‘It was a very hard win, but Im happy, It’s a really good start for me. I hope to come in the first place in the next compettions and to keep consistent during this season.

‘I feel really good, today was challenging for all athletes, but I’m still satisfied with my result. It was a good start and it’s a great atmosphere. Lot of people came to support me and they are really happy,’ the Indian said at the post race interview in Doha.

Chopra believes he can still give much more and hit the elusive 90m mark which only 23 athletes including an African, Julius Yego (92.72m) have achieved if he stays fit and healthy.

‘For this season I plan to stay fit and do more than I can.

‘Sometimes it’s really hard because we have have big country and people hope for me, and now more athletes of people from my country join me in the Diamond League and other competitions, Im lucky people have faith in me, I feel really good.