Chopra finishes fourth at Doha Diamond League

Olympic champion Thomas Röhler of Germany led a German clean sweep at the javelin event of the Doha Diamond league meet while India’s Neeraj Chopra, fresh from last month’s Commonwealth Games, finished fourth at the Qatar Sports Club Stadium in Doha on Friday.

Johannes Vetter and Andreas Hofmann, both of Germany came second and third respectively.

“Today was great, but it wasn't easy. There's always room for improvement. My teammates and I travel together and train together, which motivates me always. I've been preparing and knew I could throw that far. I was even able to take some risks today, and know that I'm in good physical shape,” said Rohler.

“I'm super happy. This is quite a good start. I didn't think I had a perfect throw this event, but it will come in the future. The near future,” said Vetter.

“I feel very fine, but today I do wish I had thrown further. I hope I can beat my personal best in the next meet, but all I can do is keep throwing even further,” said Hofmann.

Over 1000 Indian fans occupied a small part of the Qatar Sports Club Stadium as they supported Chopra as he began his Diamond League campaign in Doha.

After winning gold at this year’s Commonwealth Games Chopra has been flooded with a pile of expectations and is looking forward to live up to them.

“The Indian Sports Centre, a sports organization functioning under the agesis of the Indian Embassy in Qatar were at the stadium to cheer for the Indian athlete,” said Nilangshu Dey, President of Indian Sports Centre, Qatar.

The 2016 Under-20 World Champion, 2017 Asian Champion and record-holder and the Commonwealth Games gold medal winner, aims to touch the 90m mark before the Tokyo Olympics.

“Tokyo Olympics is two years away. Right now, my mind is focused on challenges that lie ahead - the Diamond League and the Asian Games. In 2017, I will be taking part in the World Championships followed by Olympics in 2018,” the 20-year-old Chopra said while speaking to journalists here on Thursday.