Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic and world champion javelin thrower from India, made a spectacular comeback to action on Tuesday, June 18, winning his first gold medal at the Paavo Nurmi Games following a month-long hiatus due to a niggle.
The German prodigy Max Dehning, who is 19 years old and the youngest member of the 90m club, led the field for the majority of the competition with his winning effort of 85.97m. Chopra, who won the silver here in 2022, led the field on three occasions.
With a best throw of 84.19 meters, home favorite Toni Keranen won the silver medal. Oliver Helander, a fellow countryman and gold medallist from the previous tournament, finished third with 83.96 meters.
The 26-year-old Chopra entered this competition fresh off a gold in the Federation Cup in Bubaneswar last month and a second-place showing in the Doha Diamond League.
Following these two incidents, Chopra felt “something” in his adductor, a collection of muscles on the inside of the thighs, so he took a rest.
