Brussels (Germany): In a dramatic twist that left the sporting world in awe, Neeraj Chopra has revealed that he competed in the 2024 Diamond League Final in Brussels with a fractured hand, a testament to the Indian javelin champion’s unyielding spirit. Despite the injury, Neeraj came agonisingly close to victory, finishing just one centimetre behind two-time world champion Anderson Peters in a gripping duel.
But even more astonishing was Neeraj’s revelation after the event. The reigning world champion disclosed that just days before the competition, he fractured the fourth metacarpal in his left hand during a training session. “On Monday, I injured myself in practice, and the X-rays showed I had fractured my hand,” Neeraj shared in an emotional social media post. “It was another painful challenge, but with the help of my team, I was able to compete in Brussels.”
Despite the obvious pain, Chopra’s third attempt soared to 87.86 metres—just shy of Peters’ winning throw of 87.87 metres. The one-centimetre difference denied him the title, but his grit under such conditions sent ripples through the athletics community. While Peters claimed victory, Neeraj’s courage became the headline.
The injury was the final obstacle in a season that had already tested the Indian athlete’s physical limits. He had been nursing groin discomfort since the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he also secured a silver medal. Yet, through it all, Neeraj never faltered, standing tall on the podium at every event.
Reflecting on the rollercoaster of a year, Neeraj acknowledged both his struggles and growth. "As the 2024 season ends, I look back on everything I’ve learned—about improvement, setbacks, mentality and more,” he said. “This was my last competition of the year, and while I couldn’t meet my own expectations, this season taught me a lot.”
But the 26-year-old Olympian isn’t letting 2024 define his legacy. With a steely resolve, Neeraj has already set his sights on the future. "I’m determined to come back stronger, fully fit, and ready to go in 2025," he vowed, signalling his intention to return even more dominant next season.
Neeraj's 2024 campaign was marked by impressive throws and consistent performances, starting with an 88.36m effort in Doha and a brilliant 89.45m throw at the Paris Olympics. His career-best throw of 89.49m in Lausanne showed the world what he’s capable of when healthy, and now, with time to recover, Neeraj is primed for an even more extraordinary 2025 season.
While the 2024 Diamond League Final may have marked the end of a physically challenging year, it also ignited the promise of an epic comeback. "2024 has made me a better athlete and person. See you in 2025," Neeraj declared, leaving no doubt that his return will be nothing short of spectacular.
For fans and competitors alike, one thing is clear: Neeraj Chopra’s next chapter is poised to be a defining moment in his already illustrious career.
