Relieved, happy, yet slightly disappointed, Neeraj Chopra expressed mixed emotions after finally breaching the 90m mark in javelin throw. At the Diamond League opener, Chopra achieved a personal best of 90.23m, finishing second to Germany’s Julian Weber, who topped with a 91.06m throw in his final attempt. While proud of his milestone, Chopra said he and coach Jan Zelezny are still refining aspects of his technique.

"I’m glad to cross 90m, but I feel I can go even farther. This is just the start of a long season," Chopra said. The 27-year-old, now free of the groin niggles that had troubled him for years, credited the conditions and Zelezny’s presence for his strong performance.

Zelezny, who holds the world record, rarely attends Diamond League events but sensed it was the right moment. Chopra became only the third Asian to cross 90m, a feat long overdue.

Despite finishing second, Chopra remained gracious and congratulated Weber, saying their rivalry pushes them forward. Chopra, the reigning world champion, now eyes the World Championships in Tokyo, aiming to extend his distance beyond 90m in upcoming events.