Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Forced to delay the start of his season because of injury concerns, Neeraj Chopra returned to competition with a fourth-place finish at the Doha Diamond League on Friday. While the Indian star could not make the podium, the evening belonged to a man Chopra had backed long before the rest of the athletics world took notice, Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage.
advertisement
Chopra registered a best throw of 85.69m in his third attempt, comfortably clearing the Athletics Federation of India’s Commonwealth Games qualifying mark of 82.61m. However, it left him fourth in a high-quality field.
Pathirage claimed victory with a throw of 88.68m, while former world champion Anderson Peters finished second with 86.38m. American Curtis Thompson took third place with 85.99m.
For Chopra, the result was less about the finishing position and more about returning healthy after nearly a year away from competition. The Indian opened with a foul but recovered well, producing throws of 82.77m, 85.69m and 83.45m.
PATHIRAGE RISES
The Sri Lankan is no longer an emerging talent. He is now one of the most consistent performers in men’s javelin.
Doha marked Pathirage’s second Diamond League victory of the season after his sensational triumph in Rome earlier this month. At the Golden Gala Pietro Mennea on June 5, he shattered the meeting record with a world-leading throw of 92.62m, the best mark of his career.
His winning effort in Doha was also his fourth throw beyond 88 metres this season. Since March, Pathirage has recorded marks of 89.37m, 89.28m, 92.62m and 88.68m, establishing himself among the leading contenders on the global circuit.
PROPHECY FULFILLED
Pathirage’s emergence may not have surprised Chopra.
At the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru earlier this year, the Indian star encouraged the young Sri Lankan to embrace the spotlight and become more comfortable speaking publicly.
“Speak as much as you can in English. I learnt it this way. You’ll be at many more podiums, so speak without fear,” Chopra told him.
The comment reflected Chopra’s belief that Pathirage possessed the talent to become a regular presence at the highest level. A few months later, that prediction is looking increasingly accurate.
In an earlier interview with India Today, Pathirage had revealed that while many admired Arshad Nadeem’s raw power, he preferred Chopra’s consistency and ability to repeatedly deliver elite performances.
That influence is becoming evident in his own results. The 92.62m throw in Rome showcased his immense potential, but the repeated 88m-plus efforts suggest he is now developing the consistency required to stay among the world’s best.
POSITIVES FOR NEERAJ
Chopra would have wanted more, but Doha still offered plenty of encouragement.
The Indian crossed the Commonwealth Games qualification standard with ease and showed no signs of discomfort after the injury setback that delayed his season debut. More importantly, he produced multiple competitive throws despite not being at his sharpest.
With the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and the World Championships still to come, Doha served as a reminder of two things. Chopra remains one of the sport’s most reliable performers, and the athlete he once tipped for future podium finishes is now delivering on that promise.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
