The World Athletics Championships 2025 javelin throw final turned out to be a challenging contest for India’s star athlete, Neeraj Chopra. Known for his consistency on the world stage, Chopra could not find his rhythm in the first three rounds. His attempts measured 83.65m and 84.03m, followed by a foul. These throws placed him outside the top seven, an unusual position for the Olympic and world champion.
Chopra, who crossed the 90m mark earlier this season, entered the competition as one of the favorites to defend his crown. However, the Tokyo evening brought more pressure than celebration for India’s javelin hero.
Arshad Nadeem’s Struggles Continue
Pakistan’s javelin star Arshad Nadeem also faced disappointment. His first throw of 82.73m was below expectations, while his next two attempts were fouls. With these results, he slipped down to 10th position. For an athlete who has clinched Olympic glory, this was far from his best showing.
This final was the first big clash between Chopra and Nadeem since the Paris Olympics, making it one of the most anticipated contests in athletics. But both men found themselves chasing the competition instead of leading it.
Sachin Yadav Shines for India
While Chopra and Nadeem had difficult starts, India’s Sachin Yadav kept the tricolor flying high. His massive opening throw of 86.27m placed him in the top four. Although he committed a foul on his second attempt, his strong first-round performance secured him a promising position in the standings.
Global Leaders Take the Spotlight
The battle for the top spot saw exciting performances from other athletes.
- Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago grabbed the lead with a superb throw of 87.83m.
- Anderson Peters of Grenada followed closely with 87.38m, placing second.
- Curtis Thompson from the USA stood third with 86.67m.
This reshuffle pushed Sachin Yadav to fourth, while Chopra slipped to the lower half of the table.
Pressure Builds After Foul
Chopra’s third attempt ended in a deliberate foul after he slipped during his run-up. This move confirmed his place outside the top seven, raising concerns about his survival in the competition. According to the rules, athletes at the bottom two spots after three rounds face elimination, adding extra tension to Chopra’s night.
High Stakes in Tokyo
The javelin final in Tokyo had all the elements of a thriller—big names, historic rivals, and surprise performances. Neeraj Chopra entered as the defending world champion, while Arshad Nadeem carried the hopes of Pakistan. Both had shown flashes of brilliance in qualification rounds—Chopra securing his spot with a single effortless throw of 84.85m, and Nadeem clinching his place with a final-round effort of 85.28m.
Yet, in the final, fortune seemed to favor other athletes.
World Athletics Championships 2025 Javelin Throw Final
The World Athletics Championships 2025 javelin throw final proved that even world champions can face tough days. Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem, usually dominant forces, struggled to match their past performances. On the other hand, Sachin Yadav, Walcott, and Peters brought fresh energy to the competition.
As the contest continues, fans across India and Pakistan will hope their heroes bounce back in the remaining rounds. Whether Chopra defends his world title or new champions emerge, the Tokyo final is already a reminder of how unpredictable and thrilling athletics can be.
