Neeraj Chopra Wins Ostrava Golden Spike But Expresses Frustration With Performance

Chopra Claims Ostrava Golden Spike Title, Yet Expresses Disappointment

Neeraj Chopra clinches the javelin title at the Ostrava Golden Spike 2025.

Neeraj Chopra secured the Golden Spike title at the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event on Tuesday with a best throw of 85.29m. However, the Olympic champion expressed dissatisfaction with his performance, despite winning in his debut appearance at the meet.

Chopra led the field of nine athletes with his winning throw in the third round. His series included a foul on his first attempt and 83.45m on his second.

"I am not that happy with my performance today, but I am very happy with the trophy I won," said Chopra. "I used to watch this meeting a lot as a kid. I watched people like Jan Zelezny and Usain Bolt winning the Golden Spike, and I dreamt of winning one as well. Now the dream has come true," the double Olympic medalist added.

His subsequent throws measured 82.17m and 81.01m, with a foul in the final round. "I know the javelin throw is very popular in Czechia. The amount of support we were getting from the crowd was crazy. I just wish I could have performed better for them," said Chopra. He had previously breached the 90m mark during his second-place finish at the Doha Diamond League in May.

The 27-year-old athlete has maintained strong form this season, coming off a Diamond League victory in Paris just days before the Golden Spike meet. Chopra's next competition will be at the NC Classic in Bengaluru on July 5, where he will face Anderson Peters and Thomas Rohler.

Despite his personal disappointment, particularly in front of the enthusiastic crowd, Chopra's performance was enough to secure the coveted Golden Spike title.

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