Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra showcased his dominance once more by securing the gold medal at the 2024 Paavo Nurmi Games held in Turku, Finland on June 18. Neeraj, who had previously finished second in the 2022 edition of the tournament, clinched the top spot with an impressive throw of 85.97 meters. His performance surpassed Finland’s Toni Keränen, who took the silver with a throw of 84.19 meters, and Oliver Helander of Finland, who secured the bronze with 83.96 meters.

In the competition, Neeraj initially took the lead with a throw of 83.62 meters in the opening round, a mark that set the pace for his competitors. Although Helander briefly surged ahead in the second round with 83.96 meters, Neeraj reclaimed his position at the top with his 85.97 meters throw, remaining unmatched for the remainder of the event.

Despite his victory, Neeraj fell short of his personal best of 89.30 meters, achieved during the same event two years ago where he earned a silver medal. Earlier in the year, Neeraj had surpassed this mark with a throw of 89.94 meters at the Stockholm leg of the Diamond League. Looking ahead, the 26-year-old athlete is set to compete next at the Paris Diamond League on July 7.