Ahead of the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, Indian sports star Nirad Chopra is demonstrating a return to his former form. At the Diamond League in Lausanne, he made an outstanding throw, sending the javelin 88.05 meters, which was the best result of the year. Thanks to this throw, he secured second place in the competition.
The difference between winning and second place was minimal: Sri Lankan athlete Rumesh Pathirage took first place, beating Chopra by only 9 centimeters. The start of the competition saw intense competition among the leading athletes. Chopra threw 88.05 meters in the second round, giving it his all. This result is his best in over a year since winning the Diamond League in Paris in June 2025.
Immediately after, in the third round, 23-year-old Rumesh Pathirage won first place, throwing the javelin 88.14 meters. Anderson Peters from Grenada took third place with a result of 86.69 meters.
Before visiting Lausanne, Nirad participated in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he won a silver medal by throwing the javelin 85.83 meters. At that time, Chopra noted that his physical condition had not yet reached its previous level, but he is gradually approaching it.
Due to injury, the start of this year's season was postponed. He began his first match of the season at the Diamond League in Doha. After that, he continued training at his training base in Biel, Switzerland, under the guidance of his childhood coach Jayvir Chaudhary and physiotherapist Ishan Marwah. The 88.05-meter throw in Lausanne was his best performance this current season.
Sri Lankan athlete Rumesh Pathirage is showing consistently excellent form this season. He has already thrown over 92 meters in Rome. After Glasgow, he once again challenged Chopra in Lausanne. Nevertheless, Chopra's throw shows that the issues related to physical condition are now behind him.
Nirad is expected to defend his title at the Asian Games, which will take place next month in Japan. Throwing the javelin over 88 meters in Lausanne is a timely and correct signal for him. Chopra emphasized that while he would like to see the national anthem every time, he is satisfied with this return. This performance also brought great relief to Indian fans ahead of the Diamond League final in Brussels.