Neeraj Chopra wins second straight Diamond League title in Lausanne

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra clinched the prestigious Diamond League title for the second consecutive time by throwing his spear to 87.66m on Friday but the coveted 90m mark eluded the star Indian javelin thrower yet again. Coming back from a one-month injury lay-off, Chopra's title-winning performance at the Lausanne leg in challenging conditions was below his own top-10 efforts but he still stamped his authority in the prestigious One-day meet. The 25-year-old Chopra, who had skipped three top events due to a muscle strain he sustained last month, had won the season-opening Diamond League in Doha on May 5 with his fourth career-best throw of 88.67m.

Chopra, who usually produces his best in early rounds, had to wait till his fifth attempt to lead the field. He was at the second spot till the end of the fourth round. «I was feeling a bit nervous coming back from an injury.

It was a bit cold here tonight. I am still far from my best, but I feel it is getting better,» Chopra said after his win. It was a cloudy day with the temperature during the men's javelin throw event recording 17 degree celsius and humidity at 78 percent.

«I am relieved it is coming together well for me. A win is a win and I will take that happily.» Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to congratulate the champion athlete on his latest achievement. «Congratulations to @Neeraj_chopra1 for shining at the Lausanne Diamond League.

Thanks to his extraordinary performances, he has finished at the top of the table. His talent, dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence is commendable,» PM Modi tweeted. Chopra began with a foul and then had 83.52m and 85.04m throws.