Neeraj Chopra Secures 26th Straight Top-Two Finish with Diamond League 2025 Silver

Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra showcased his trademark resilience once again at the Diamond League 2025 finals in Switzerland, clinching the silver medal with a final-round effort of 85.01m.

Despite not being at his very best, the 27-year-old Indian star extended his incredible streak of 26 consecutive top-two finishes, proving his consistency on the global stage. Germany’s Julian Weber emerged as the standout performer, securing his maiden Diamond League title with back-to-back throws beyond the 90m mark.

Chopra Battles Through a Challenging Start

The final in Switzerland was far from smooth sailing for Neeraj. He began with a throw of 84.35m, followed by 82m and a foul attempt, which placed him in third position midway through the competition. His struggles continued as two more fouls in the fourth and fifth rounds left him on the verge of missing the podium.

However, in true champion style, Chopra pulled off a clutch performance in his final attempt, recording a distance of 85.01m to seal the silver medal. This effort not only saved him from finishing outside the top two but also reaffirmed his reputation as one of the most consistent javelin throwers in the world.

Julian Weber Shines with 91.57m Personal Best

The star of the evening, however, was Germany’s Julian Weber, who delivered a sensational performance. His 91.57m throw marked a new personal best and earned him his first Diamond League title. Notably, this was also Weber’s third 90m-plus throw of the season, underlining his rise as a formidable force in the javelin circuit.

Weber had already crossed the 90m mark earlier in the season, including a 91.06m winning throw at the Doha Diamond League in May. Once again, he proved unstoppable, leaving his rivals chasing from behind.

A Rare Dip in Chopra’s Usual Form

For Neeraj Chopra, the finals marked a rare occasion when he failed to breach the 88m mark, something he has made a habit of in recent years. Known for his powerful releases and consistent distances, the Indian ace had to settle with 85.01m this time.

Chopra had entered the competition hoping to reclaim the Diamond League Trophy, which he last won in 2022. However, he had to settle for second place for the third year in a row (2023, 2024, 2025).

Anderson Peters Misses Out on Podium

Meanwhile, Anderson Peters of Grenada, the defending champion, could not replicate his past success. His best throw of 82.06m was only good enough for a fourth-place finish, leaving Weber and Chopra to dominate the top two spots once again.

Head-to-Head: Chopra vs. Weber Rivalry

The 2025 season has been marked by the growing rivalry between Chopra and Weber. Earlier this year at the Doha Diamond League, Chopra recorded his career-best 90.23m throw, but even that wasn’t enough as Weber edged past with 91.06m. Their latest battle in Switzerland once again ended with Weber on top and Chopra just behind.

This competitive duel has raised excitement ahead of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo next month, where Chopra will enter as the defending champion. Fans across India and the world will be eager to see if he can reclaim the gold against his German rival.

What Lies Ahead for Neeraj Chopra

Despite missing out on the top spot, Chopra’s silver medal ensures his consistency remains unmatched. His streak of 26 consecutive podium finishes continues, highlighting his ability to deliver under pressure. With the World Championships 2025 around the corner, Chopra will aim to sharpen his form and push past the 90m mark once again.

The Indian star has already shown he has what it takes to challenge the very best. If his recent battles with Weber are any indication, Tokyo promises to be another thrilling chapter in his illustrious career.