NEW DELHI: India’s Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is set to return to competitive action at the Doha Diamond League on June 19, marking his first appearance of the 2026 athletics season.The official entry list for the prestigious one-day meet has confirmed Chopra’s participation. The Indian star has been training in Switzerland in preparation for his comeback and will be eager to begin the season on a strong note.Neeraj has not competed since the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo last year, where he endured a disappointing outing. His return in Doha will therefore be closely watched as he looks to regain momentum on the international circuit.The Doha Diamond League holds special significance for Chopra. At the same event last year, he breached the coveted 90-metre mark for the first time in his career, producing one of the standout performances of his season.Apart from aiming for a strong start, Chopra will also have an important target in sight. The 27-year-old will be looking to surpass the Glasgow Commonwealth Games qualification standard of 82.61 metres, which would secure his place for the multi-sport event.The men’s javelin field in Doha features several elite throwers, ensuring a stern test for the Indian ace. Among those confirmed are Czech Republic’s Jakub Vadlejch, former world champion Julius Yego of Kenya, Grenada’s Anderson Peters, Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott, Egypt’s Ahmed Sameh Mohamed Hussein, Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, Ukraine’s Artur Felfner, and American thrower Curtis Thompson.The competition is expected to be intense, with several athletes in the field already recording throws beyond the 85-metre mark this season. Pathirage enters the meet with a season-best throw of 92.62m, underlining the high standard Chopra will face in his season opener.With a star-studded field and crucial qualification marks on the line, all eyes will be on Chopra as he begins his 2026 campaign in Doha.
