Neeraj Chopra concluded the 2024 season on a high note by securing second place at the Diamond League final in Brussels on September 14. The prominent Indian javelin thrower narrowly missed winning the top spot by just 1 cm, achieving his best throw of 87.86 meters. Anderson Peters, who clinched the Diamond League title, had a throw of 87.87 meters.
The day after the final, Neeraj revealed he had been dealing with an injury prior to the event but chose to compete despite the pain. On X, he shared, “As the 2024 season ends, I look back on everything I’ve learned through the year – about improvement, setbacks, mentality and more. On Monday, I injured myself in practice and x-rays showed that I had fractured the fourth metacarpal in my left hand. It was another painful challenge for me. But with the help of my team, I was able to participate in Brussels.”
He continued, “This was the last competition of the year, and I wanted to end my season on the track. While I couldn’t meet my own expectations, I feel this was a season in which I learned a lot. I am now determined to return, fully fit and ready to go. I want to thank all of you for your encouragement. 2024 has made me a better athlete and person. See you in 2025. Jai Hind!”
Fans have been sending their well-wishes to Neeraj, who is expected to return in 2025. Manu Bhaker, who won two medals at the Paris Olympics, also expressed her support, writing: “Congratulations @Neeraj_chopra1 on a fantastic season in 2024. Wishing you a speedy recovery and more success in the coming years.”
Congratulations @Neeraj_chopra1 on a fantastic season in 2024. Wishing you a speedy recovery and more success in the coming years.#NeerajChopra https://t.co/4NUgfVtiAf
— Manu Bhaker🇮🇳 (@realmanubhaker) September 15, 2024
Neeraj Chopra, who became the first Indian to win the Diamond League in 2022, finished second in the 2023 Diamond League and once again placed second this year. For his efforts, he received a prize of approximately Rs 10 lakh.