Neeraj Chopra Launches Title Defense at World Athletics Championship 2025

Neeraj Chopra, the reigning champion in men’s javelin throw, is set to commence his title defense today, September 17, 2025, at the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo, Japan. The qualification round for Group A will see Chopra compete against notable athletes, including Keshorn Walcott, the 2012 Olympic gold medallist, and Jakub Vadlejch, a seasoned competitor from the Czech Republic. Additionally, the Diamond League champion, Julian Weber, will also be in the mix.

India makes history at this championship with a record four athletes competing in the javelin throw event. Alongside Chopra, Sachin Yadav, Yashvir Singh, and Rohit Yadav will represent the nation. Notably, Yadav is competing in the same Group A as Chopra, which adds another layer of excitement to the qualification rounds.

Event Details and Viewing Options

The men’s javelin throw qualifying round is scheduled to begin at 15:40 IST at the iconic Japan National Stadium. Fans in India can catch the live coverage of the event through the Star Sports Network, which holds the official broadcasting rights for the championship. Viewers can expect to tune in via various Star Sports channels to follow the action live.

For those preferring online streaming, the JioHotsar app and website will offer live streaming of the qualifying rounds. This option ensures fans can stay connected to the competition from anywhere.

Chopra’s previous performances have set high expectations, including his impressive throw of 85.01 meters that secured him a runner-up position at the Diamond League Final earlier this year. As he embarks on this new challenge, all eyes will be on the Indian athlete as he aims to maintain his status as a world-class javelin thrower.

This championship not only highlights individual talent but also showcases India’s growing prowess in athletics on the world stage. With a mix of seasoned professionals and emerging athletes, the competition is expected to be thrilling, drawing attention from sports enthusiasts globally.