Neeraj Chopra 'not happy' with 85.29m effort, despite winning Ostrava Golden Spike title
Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra won the javelin throw title in the Ostrava Golden Spike 2025 (Image via IANS)
Neeraj Chopra
secured the Golden Spike title at the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event on Tuesday with a best throw of 85.29m, though he expressed dissatisfaction with his performance despite winning in his first appearance at the meet.
The former Olympic champion led the nine-man field with his winning throw in the third round, following a foul in his first attempt and 83.45m in his second throw.
"I am not that happy with my performance today, but I am very happy with the trophy I won," said Chopra. "I used to watch this meeting a lot as a kid. I watched people like Jan Zelezny and Usain Bolt winning the Golden Spike and I dreamt of winning one as well. Now the dream has come true," the double Olympic-medallist added, as quoted by PTI.
— India_AllSports (@India_AllSports)
His subsequent throws measured 82.17m and 81.01m, with a foul in the final round. "I know the javelin throw is very popular in Czechia. The amount of support we were getting from the crowd was crazy. I just wish I could have performed better for them," said Chopra, who had previously breached the 90m mark during his second-place finish in Doha Diamond League in May.
The 27-year-old athlete maintained his strong form this season, coming off a Diamond League victory in Paris just days before the Golden Spike meet. Chopra's next competition will be at the NC Classic in Bengaluru on July 5, where he will face Anderson Peters and Thomas Rohler.
Poll
Do you think Neeraj Chopra will improve his performance in the upcoming NC Classic?
Yes, definitely!
No, I don't think so
Despite falling short of his own expectations, particularly in front of a packed crowd, Chopra's performance was sufficient to claim the prestigious Golden Spike title.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
"A moment we can never forget": Madan Lal reflects on India's historic World Cup win on this day in 1983
New Delhi [India], June 25 (ANI): Former India cricketer and World Cup winner Madan Lal looked back fondly on India's landmark title triumph on June 25, 1983, calling it a defining moment not just for the team but for Indian cricket as a whole. As the nation continues to celebrate the legacy of the historic win, Lal shared his thoughts on the impact it had on the sport in the country. Wednesday marks the 42nd anniversary of one of India's biggest cricketing wins. 'This is such a huge victory, we cannot forget, even the people of our country cannot forget,' Lal said. 'This is such a huge moment for all of us. Our cricket has grown after 1983. If you keep losing, then nobody will follow you but if you keep on winning, people will follow. A lot of youngsters come and play the sport, and that's how your sport grows. We are very happy that we were a part of the 1983 World Cup,' he added India's unexpected victory at Lord's on June 25, 1983, over the mighty West Indies not only ended the Caribbean dominance in world cricket but also ignited a cricketing revolution in India. The image of Kapil Dev lifting the trophy remains one of the most iconic moments in Indian sport. Madan Lal also recalled the camaraderie among the World Cup-winning teammates, saying that the bond still remains strong after all these years. 'We have a WhatsApp group, we have already messaged congratulations. It feels good that you have done something good for the sport and the country,' he noted. One of the most memorable moments in that final was Lal's key contribution in dismissing the legendary Vivian Richards, a turning point in the match but the former all-rounder was quick to credit the collective effort of the team rather than individual brilliance. 'It was a team effort,' he said. 'If you see the contribution, every player had a role to play. When you have good team effort, then you can do anything,' he noted. Kapil Dev's men were crowned champions at Lord's with an unbelievable victory over the favourites, West Indies, who won the toss and opted to bowl first. Heading into the finals, India shocked the cricketing world with its impressive performances in the cricketing marquee event after disappointing outings in 1975 and 1979, in which they could not progress beyond the group stages. West Indies were heading into the finals as favourites, having won the previous two World Cups in 1975 and 1979. The Kapil Dev-led side managed to score just 183 runs as Andy Roberts took three wickets while Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, and Larry Gomes picked up two wickets each. Defending 183, India did a good job of controlling the Windies' run flow, reducing the side to 57/3. Soon after, the team from the Caribbean was reduced to 76/6, and India was the favourite to win the title. Mohinder Amarnath took Michael Holding's final wicket to give India their first-ever World Cup title win. In the finals, the West Indies were bowled out for 140, and India won the match by 43 runs. Kapil Dev lifting the trophy on the balcony of Lord's Cricket Ground is still an image to savour for all Indian fans. In the finals, Mohinder Amarnath was chosen as the Man of the Match. He scored 26 runs with the bat and also picked up three wickets with the ball. (ANI)
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
"Who doesn't want to be Usain Bolt?": Gout Gout beats Olympic favorite in Europe and breaks his own 200m record
"Who doesn't want to be Usain Bolt?": Gout Gout beats Olympic favorite in Europe and breaks his own 200m record (Image via Getty) A 17-year-old sprinter from Australia is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting names in track and field. At just 17 years of age, he already runs times that many Olympic greats took years to run. On June 18, 2025, during his first senior race outside Australia, Gout Gout made headlines across the world. What he did in the Czech Republic has fans and experts now calling him the 'next Usain Bolt .' But what exactly happened that day? And how far is he from making history? Gout Gout runs 20.02 seconds in Czech Republic and beats Olympic favourite Reynier Mena On Tuesday, June 18, 2025, at the Golden Spike athletics meet in Ostrava, Czech Republic, Gout Gout ran the 200m in a blistering 20.02 seconds! This was Gout Gout's first senior race in Europe and not only did he win, he defeated Reynier Mena of Cuba, the man expected to win the race! This race was a part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series. Gout Gout had already broken the 200m Australian record back in December 2024 which had stood for 56 years. He had actually gone and broken his own national record again, recording 20.02 seconds for the 200m, equaling, to the hundredth of a second, his own personal best, which he was allowed to do in this instance. This race was particularly newsworthy not just because of the time; but he ran faster than Usain Bolt's first run at the same Golden Spike meet of Ostrava (19 years earlier)! Gout Gout says he feels no pressure and dreams of being himself, not just Usain Bolt After the race, Gout Gout spoke confidently. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live the Luxe Life – 3 BHK at ₹3.85 Cr* | Sunteck City Sunteck City Learn More Undo 'I feel good. I don't feel any pressure,' he told reporters . 'As soon as I get on the track, it's just me and running — my favourite thing.' Gout Gout added that he's happy to be compared to Usain Bolt but wants to show his own personality. 'Who doesn't want to be Usain Bolt? But I also want to be me,' he said. Gout Gout's journey has caught the attention of big names, including Olympic champion Noah Lyles, who invited him to train. Even Usain Bolt noticed and posted online, 'He looks like young me.' Gout Gout still has two months before turning 18. At 17 years and 10 months, Usain Bolt shattered the 20-second threshold. The planet is now waiting to see whether gout can do it too. Also Read: Why Gout Gout's Under 10 Serving 100m Run Was Deemed Illegal Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Is Simone Biles Sending a Silent Cry for Help? Mental Health Concerns Rise After X Exit and Cryptic Post
Image via AP News In a world of endless scroll and split-second outrage, Simone Biles just hit 'pause.' The seven-time Olympic gold medalist has quietly deleted her X (formerly Twitter) account—right in the middle of a heated debate over transgender participation in women's sports. Yet on Instagram, Biles resurfaced, writing simply: **'Strength is what we gain from the madness we survive.'** Her timing felt deliberate, almost cinematic—a graceful nod to every headline, every clash, every personal confrontation that's played out under public eyes. It's a line that invites empathy and reflection. There's depth here: a champion stepping back to bridle the whirlwind and regroup. Is it a healing breath, an acknowledgment of the struggle, or a beacon of resilience? Whatever the intent, this brief, mysterious message offers a fresh angle—revealing a champion's quiet triumph over life's storms. Why Simone Biles' exit from X might be a matter of concern The decision to leave X came hard on the heels of a spiraling feud with conservative activist Riley Gaines. Their clash centered around Gaines's comment about a transgender high school softball player, which prompted a sharp response from Biles. She labeled Gaines a 'sore loser,' called out what she saw as bullying, and even suggested separate categories for transgender athletes. In the aftermath, Biles apologized, removed the personal barbs, and then shut the X account—an act many interpreted as stepping away from the cacophony and chaos. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Articles Vally Undo Her Instagram post suggests she's chosen vitality over vitriol—and growth over grievance. That short line—'Strength is what we gain from the madness we survive'—carries emotional weight. It speaks of endurance and emerging stronger after turbulence. Endorsing her departure from X, Riley Gaines wrote on X: 'Sad to see such a phenom go down like this,' signaling both influence and impact . Biles's message, then, seems less like an exit and more like a reset. She's not vanishing—just moving with intention, away from noise and toward renewed purpose. It reveals a champion's humility and strength, and a reminder that sometimes stepping back is the boldest move of all. Simone Biles's departure from X and her cryptic Instagram message resonate like a soft exhale after a storm. It marks a moment of introspection for one of the world's most celebrated athletes—someone who has faced immense pressure, criticism, and public expectation. By pausing the platform and embracing a message of survival, she models grace under fire. In a landscape where visibility often demands intensity, Biles reminds us that resilience can be quiet, reflective, and dignified. And through it all, her story remains compelling—not just for what she accomplishes in the gym, but for how she weathers the chaos outside it. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
