Lausanne Diamond League 2022: Neeraj Chopra qualifies for World Athletics Championships 2023

Indian ace javelin specialist Neeraj Chopra scripted history after becoming the first Indian to win a Diamond League meet at the Lausanne Diamond League in Switzerland. With the win, Chopra also qualifies for javelin throw final at the 2022 Zurich Diamond League Finals. Neeraj threw a third career-best throw of 89.08m in his first attempt to finish first. His other attempts were: 89.08m, 85.18m, -, X, -, 80.04m.

“This win is very important for our country. I feel we shouldn’t be only focusing on the events that happen after four or two years. Competitions like Diamond League or Continental Tour are really good opportunities for athletes. It happens every year, and it gives us opportunities to do well. It really helps prepare well for the major tournaments because world-class athletes participate here,” said Chopra after the win.

He joins youngster Avinash Sable to secure direct qualification for the 2023 World Championships. Chopra missed out on the meet in Monaco and the Commonwealth Games in England due to a groin injury, but seemed in prime form in Lausanne. The other throwers to qualify for the final include Jakub Vadlejch (Czech Republic), Julian Weber (Germany), Anderson Peters (Grenada), Leandro Ramos (Portugal), and Gailums Patriks (Latvia). Chopra qualified for the final with 15 points from two events. 

Lausanne Diamond League 2022: Javelin throw Final Standings

1. Neeraj Chopra – 89.08m – 85.18m – xxx – xxx – xxx

2. Jakub Vadlejch – 79.54m – 84.56m – 84.17m – 79.99m – 85.88m

3. Curtis Thompson – 83.72m – 78.97m – 80.47m – xxx – 77.73m

4. Keshorn Walcott – 83.38m – 80.57m – 79.32m – xxx – 78.88m

5. Lassi Etelatalo – xxx – 74.55m – 80.17m – 76.19m – xxx

6. Patriks Gailums – 78.87m – 74.49m – xxx – 79.71m – xxx

7. Toni Keranen – 75.22m – 74.68m – 74.08m – 77.18m – xxx

8. Gatis Cakks – xxx – 73.56m – 74.50m – xxx – xxx