Neeraj Chopra recorded a season-best attempt of 85.83 metres to clinch a silver medal in the javelin throw final at the Commonwealth Games 2026 on Friday.
Returning to the CWG after eight years, Neeraj picked up his second medal, having won the gold in 2018. Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage clinched the gold medal.
The former Olympic champion was off his best as he commenced the event, registering an 80.97m distance on his first attempt, which put him second in the standings behind England’s Ben East.
Neeraj established a clear lead with his second throw, which soared to a distance of 85.83m and bettered his season-best by 14 centimetres. However, Pathirage snatched the lead from the Indian moments later courtesy of a monster throw of 89.75m.
The 28-year-old could not close down the gap on his next two throws, registering marks of 81.29m and 80.73m, respectively.
With conditions only worsening, Neeraj conceded foul throws on the final two attempts and settled for second place. India’s Yash Vir Singh won the bronze medal after a best of 85.41m in his last attempt.
Neeraj’s much-anticipated clash with Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem met an anti-climactic end as the Olympic champion bowed out in ninth place.
Neeraj had qualified for the final with a best throw of 79.61m. This was the first instance in a long time when Neeraj could not secure the automatic qualification mark at an event.
Published on Aug 01, 2026
