Paris Olympics 2024, javelin final highlights: Silver for Neeraj Chopra; Arshad Nadeem tops podium with OLY record

Arshad Nadeem shattered the world record and overshadowed Neeraj Chopra in the javelin final to strike a historic gold for Pakistan

Neeraj Chopra had one shot or one opportunity to seize everything he ever wanted at the Paris Olympics 2024. Defending his Olympic title at the monumental Stade de France, India's Chopra only produced a single valid throw to take the silver medal in the ongoing edition of the Summer Games on Thursday. Neeraj's arch-rival, Arshad Nadeem, shattered the world record to upstage the Indian javelin superstar and seal a historic gold medal for Pakistan in the men's final at the Paris Olympics.

One and done!

Neeraj was one and done in the qualification round of the men's javelin event at the Paris Olympics. Announcing himself at the Paris Games in dominating fashion, the defending Olympic champion fired a monstrous 89.34m in the qualification round of the men’s javelin throw event. Topping the group and entering the final of the showpiece event, Neeraj produced his season-best throw at the Summer Games in Paris.

'Asli cheez baaki thi'

When the last time Stade de France brimmed with fans in the lead-up to the summit clash, Neeraj handed the knockout blow to wrap up the group phase of the javelin event. Though Neeraj launched his second biggest throw of his career, the Haryana lad refused to bring out his trademark celebration. Yes, Neeraj's signature celebration early into his first throw at the Paris Games was nowhere to be found. Why? Because 'Asli cheez baaki thi’ (The real thing was yet to come).

Neeraj saved his best for Paris final

Even though Neeraj almost landed a 90m throw, the defending Olympic champion only wanted to get his throw done so he could stretch and relax! “You get confidence and motivation after a good throw. But, hopefully, I keep my best for the final because that is the real thing. Asli cheez baaki hai. Tagda competition hoga,” Neeraj said.

Meet the challengers

Two-time world champion Anderson Peters finished second with his throw of 88.63 in the overall standings. Julian Weber of Germany sealed a direct entry with his 87.76m throw. Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem joined Neeraj with his throw of 86.59m in Group B. Jakub Vadlejch (85.63m), the Tokyo Olympics silver medallist, is also a top medal contender in the final. As Neeraj pointed out, a tough challenge awaited the defending champion; the javelin sensation of India was bidding for another piece of history in Paris.

Here's all you need to know about mens’ javelin throw final at Paris Olympics 2024:

-Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem shattered the Olympic record with a 92.97m throw in 2nd attempt.

-Neeraj Chopra opened his account with a brilliant throw of 89.45 to take 2nd spot in second attempt.

-Neeraj Chopra started with a foul. He registers a no-throw in 1st attempt.

-Neeraj Chopra is the defending champion in the men's javelin throw final at the Paris Games.

-Chopra fired a stunning throw of 89.34m in the qualification round.

-The Tokyo Games gold medallist topped the group standings with his season-best throw at the Paris Games 2024.

-Neeraj aims to emulate his idol Jan Zelezny by defending his javelin title at the Olympics.

-Zelezny also holds the world record (98.48) in men's javelin.

-Neeraj earned his career-best throw (89.94m) in 2022.

-Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem won Commonwealth Games gold with 90.18m throw.