Has Neeraj Chopra qualified for World Athletics Championships 2025 finals in Tokyo?

WEB DESK: As per reports by Indian media, Neeraj Chopra has made a commanding start in the men’s javelin throw at the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo, sealing his place in the final with his very first attempt.

According to Sport Star The defending champion registered 84.85 metres, comfortably surpassing the automatic qualification mark of 84.50. Meanwhile, fellow Indian thrower Sachin Yadav produced a solid 80.16 on his opener to sit seventh in Group A. Germany’s Julian Weber, who holds the season’s world lead at 91.51, managed 82.29 on his first throw and will need to improve in subsequent attempts.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s javelin star Arshad Nadeem in Group B will be taking the centre stage in Tokyo today in an hour or so he competes in the World Athletics Championships qualification round against India’s Olympic champion Chopra and Germany’s Diamond League winner Weber. The event has been billed as a high-stakes showdown, marking the first meeting between Nadeem and Chopra since the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the Pakistani claimed silver behind his Indian rival.

Chopra, who also won gold in Budapest last year, is chasing history by attempting to become only the third male javelin thrower to defend a world title. Nadeem, meanwhile, is determined to showcase his return to form after injury setbacks, carrying the hopes of Pakistan on his shoulders. At 27, he has consistently punched above his weight on the global stage despite limited resources.

The clash has stirred passions beyond sport, especially after fan rivalries reignited during a recent cricket encounter between India and Pakistan. Yet Nadeem has brushed aside the noise, stressing that he and Chopra have exchanged greetings in Tokyo and remain focused on competition. With Weber also in the mix, analysts expect a fierce battle as the three heavyweights launch their bids for glory at Japan National Stadium.