With only one attempt, Neeraj Chopra, the defending champion, had qualified for the final of men’s javelin throw at Paris Olympics with a monstrous throwing effort which was his best during the entire season.
On Tuesday, at Stade de France and as Group B of 16 throwers started their qualification round Neeraj was listed first in line. The world and Olympic titleholder hurled his javelin 89.34 meters far away to wrap up his opening day in office in Paris early.
After dividing into 2 groups (A and B) of 32 throwers, Neeraj had the best mark today. This put him ahead of the top twelve finalists.
India’s Kishore Jena could not make it because he could only throw less than 84 meters. The Asian Games silver medalist made a best effort of 80.73m.
Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem who finished second behind Neeraj at World Championships Budapest also cleared it in his first attempt with a distance of 86.59m to stand fourth among 12 final contestants.
