Why Neeraj Chopra Finished 8th - Back Injury Derails World Champs 2025 Title Defense

What Went Wrong for Neeraj Chopra in World Championships 2025 Javelin Final

Neeraj Chopra, India's javelin sensation and defending world champion, returned to the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo—the site of his historic 2021 Olympic gold—with high hopes of retaining his title at the 2025 World Athletics Championships. But on September 18, 2025, the 27-year-old's dream shattered as he finished a shocking eighth place with a best throw of just 84.03m, far below his season-best of 90.23m set in Doha earlier that year. This marked the end of an incredible 33-tournament podium streak that had lasted over 2,566 days, dating back to 2018.

The Injury That Changed Everything

The primary culprit behind Chopra's underwhelming performance was a nagging back injury that he had kept under wraps. In a post-event interview, Neeraj revealed that the issue flared up two weeks prior during a training session in the Czech Republic on September 4, while performing shot put exercises. An MRI confirmed problems with his disc on the left side, severely limiting his movement and training time. "I had some back issues, but I didn’t want to tell anyone. I was thinking I would still manage to get through it. But javelin is really tough. If you are not in good shape, you’re out," Chopra admitted to World Athletics. Despite daily rehabilitation in Tokyo, the pain eroded his confidence and power, preventing the explosive efforts he's known for. A senior Athletics Federation of India official confirmed Neeraj had informed them of the injury, but he pushed through to compete, showcasing his warrior spirit.

On-Field Struggles: Fouls, Run-Up Issues, and Weather Woes

Chopra's throws in the final told a story of frustration: 83.65m (first), 84.03m (second, his best), foul (third), 82.86m (fourth), and another foul (fifth), leading to his elimination before the sixth round. He struggled with his run-up timing and blocking technique, unable to generate the speed and stability needed for elite distances. Late rain made the runway slick, exacerbating the fouls and adding to the challenge. "The belief wasn't there," Neeraj later reflected, highlighting a lack of mental edge compounded by physical limitations. This was his first non-podium finish in 27 major events since 2018, a stark contrast to his usual dominance.

The Final Results: Upsets and India's Silver Lining

The men's javelin final was rife with surprises, as favorites faltered across the board. Trinidad and Tobago's Keshorn Walcott, the 2012 Olympic champion and now coached by Neeraj's former mentor Klaus Bartonietz, clinched gold with 88.16m. Grenada's Anderson Peters took silver at 87.38m, and USA's Curtis Thompson bronze with 86.67m. Germany's Julian Weber, the season leader, placed fifth (86.11m), while Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, Neeraj's Olympic rival, struggled to 10th (82.75m). For India, debutant Sachin Yadav provided a bright spot, throwing a personal best 86.27m to finish fourth—just 0.40m shy of bronze and outshining his idol Neeraj. This performance signals the deepening talent pool in Indian javelin.

Neeraj's Reaction and Path Forward

Visibly distraught, Neeraj ripped off his belt and covered his face after the fifth foul, a rare display of raw emotion from the stoic athlete. Yet, in his mixed-zone comments, he showed resilience: "I don’t understand what happened today... I will go back, watch the competition, and work on it. Maybe I need more training or to improve my technique." Fans rallied on social media, with posts emphasizing the end of his streak but praising his grit, and one noting, "The comeback will be sweeter."

With the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, Neeraj vows to focus on fitness and technique refinement under coach Jan Zelezny. This setback, though painful, could fuel his next chapter of glory.