Javelin Thriller! Neeraj Chopra Bags Silver, Pathirage Wins Lausanne DL by 9cm
Javelin Thriller! Neeraj Chopra Bags Silver, Pathirage Wins Lausanne DL by 9cm
Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra delivers a season-best 88.05m throw, securing silver at the Lausanne Diamond League! Lankan sensation Rumesh Pathirage claims gold by a mere 9cm. Don't miss the details of this epic show
In a thrilling showdown at the Lausanne Diamond League on Friday, August 21, 2026, Indian javelin ace Neeraj Chopra delivered his best performance in over a year, securing a silver medal. The Olympic champion was narrowly pipped to the post by rising Sri Lankan star Rumesh Pathirage, who clinched the top spot by a mere nine centimetres in a star-studded field.
Chopra's powerful 88.05-meter throw in the second round was his season's best and also his finest effort since his 88.16m throw that won him the Paris Diamond League in June 2025. This impressive throw initially placed him in the lead. However, the 23-year-old Pathirage continued his dominant run this season, responding with an 88.14m throw in his third attempt, ultimately securing the gold medal. Grenada’s Anderson Peters rounded out the top three with a sixth and final round effort of 86.69m.
Despite missing out on gold, Chopra expressed satisfaction with his performance, particularly the 88-meter mark. "I didn't realise it was only nine centimetres, it was really close, but I’m happy with the 88-metre throw," he remarked. He added, "To be honest, it didn’t feel like it went 88m because I felt very relaxed. I tried really hard and later focused on my technique." Chopra also highlighted his feeling of returning to peak form, stating, "With every competition, I feel that I’m coming back. The crowds in Lausanne and Zurich understand athletics and really support you, so it’s always good to compete here."
The competitive field also saw reigning world champion Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago finish fourth with 83.71m. World Championships bronze winner Curtis Thompson of the USA secured sixth place with 78.13m, while Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic was seventh with 77.32m. Chopra's second-place finish is significant for his season, as it propelled him into the top five of the season-ending Diamond League Finals standings, moving up from his previous seventh spot. The top six athletes in jumps and throws disciplines will compete in the September 4-5 DL Finals in Brussels, with Pathirage and Peters having already secured their qualification.
