I feel I'm coming back with each event: Neeraj Chopra after silver at Lausanne

There is a new South Asian rivalry brewing in the world of javelin, with Sri Lankan Rumesh Pathirage pipping Neeraj Chopra, a former world champion and double Olympic medallist, for the third time in a season at the Lausanne Diamond League meeting on Friday, 21 August. However, the Indian ace fired his season’s best of 88.05 m in a star-studded nine-man field to finish with a silver and continue his build-up for the Asian Games in October.

The contest was really a close one, with just nine centimetres separating the two. Reflecting on it later, an upbeat Chopra told the media: “I didn’t realise it was only nine centimetres; it was really close, but I’m happy with the 88-metre throw. To be honest, it didn't feel like it went 88 m because I felt very relaxed. I tried really hard and later focused on my technique.

“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,” said Chopra, who marshalled all his experience to beat the lower back injury, finishing fourth in Doha and then taking silver behind Pathirage at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

More importantly, Chopra climbed into the top five of the season-ending Diamond League Finals standings, strengthening his chances of qualifying for Brussels for a tilt at the big prize.

He opened in Lausanne with an 83.54 m heave, while Pathirage immediately established himself as the early leader with 85.99 m before improving to 87.06 m on his second attempt. Chopra responded strongly with his second throw at 88.05 m to improve his previous season’s best by 2.23 m and move into contention for the title. Pathirage, however, reclaimed the lead with his third attempt, sending the javelin 88.14m to secure another victory.

Grenada’s Anderson Peters finished third with an 86.69 m attempt on his final throw, while Keshorn Walcott placed fourth at 83.71 m. USA’s Curtis Thompson finished sixth with 78.13 m and Tokyo silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch took seventh with 77.32 m.

Pathirage has dominated his decorated rival this year, winning eight of his nine events, including a monster 92.62 m throw in Rome. Meanwhile, Chopra continues his steady return after recovering from the lower back issue that delayed his season debut. “I can’t say my fitness is there like before but I’m getting there slowly,” Chopra had said at the Commonwealth Games.