Neeraj set a national record in the 2025 edition, but had to settle for second place behind Germany’s Julian Weber. | Photo Credit: PTI

Javelin star Neeraj Chopra will make his long-awaited return to competition at the Doha Diamond League on Friday after spending more than six months on the sidelines with a back injury.

The 28-year-old last competed at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where he sustained the injury that forced an extended layoff. Doha, however, has been a happy hunting ground for Neeraj. He won the event in 2023 with a throw of 88.23m before finishing runner-up in the next two editions.

His finest moment at the venue came in 2025 when he became the first Indian to breach the 90m mark, throwing 90.23m. Despite the milestone, Neeraj finished second to Germany’s Julian Weber, who claimed victory with a 91.06m effort.

Published on Jun 19, 2026