India’s Neeraj Chopra marked his return to the field with a win as he clinched the men’s javelin title at the 2024 Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland on Tuesday.
Chopra, the reigning Olympic and World champion, won the event with a best effort of 85.97m with his third attempt in the competition.
The 26-year-old Indian finished ahead of home stars Toni Keranen (84.19m) and Oliver Helander (83.96m), who finished second and third respectively.
Chopra’s long-time rival Anderson Peters, meanwhile, finished fourth with an effort of 82.58m.
Chopra started off with a 83.62m effort in the competition to take the lead after first round of throws. He was briefly overtaken by Helander, who registered his best with the second throw, before retaking the lead with his third and winning attempt.
There was no looking back from there for Chopra, who threw 82.21m with his fourth attempt before fouling his penultimate throw and then finishing it off with 82.97m.
The event in Finland marked the third competition of the 2024 season for Chopra, who had previously competed at the Doha Diamond League and the Federation Cup in Bhubaneswar in May.
Chopra had then withdrawn from the Ostrava Golden Spike Meet as a precuationary measure before returning to action in Turku.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!