Chopra of India was hoping to break the 90m mark but was pleased with the Diamond League trophy


India’s Olympic javelin champion Neeraj Chopra was expecting to break the 90-meter mark at the Diamond League final in Zurich but said he was happy to lift the trophy as he was the first Indian to do so.

Chopra clinched the gold medal with his best throw of 88.44 m on Thursday under cloudy skies at the Letzigrund Stadium.

The 24-year-old relegated Olympic silver medalist Jakub Vadlejch to the title after the Czech shot 86.94m on his best attempt, while reigning European champion Julian Weber of Germany finished third with a throw of 83.73m.

“It was a very good competition today with Jakub Vadlejch, he also threw very well. I expected 90 m from myself today. But it’s okay, I have the Diamond (League) trophy and that was the most important thing for me.” , Chopra said in an interview.

“Also because my family is here. It is (for the) first time in an international competition. They came to see me because this is my last competition and we are on vacation in Paris so it will be good.”

The Diamond League trophy ended a memorable season for Chopra, who also became the first Indian to win a silver at the IAAF World Championships in Eugene in July.

“I was injured after Eugene so I need some rest, two or three weeks and I (will) start rehab and then some training for next year,” he added.