Turku: Reigning Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra made an impressive return to competitive event as he clinched silver medal in the javelin throw with a national record effort at the Paavo Nurmi Games here.
Chopra registered a best throw of 89.30m to break his own previous national record of 88.07m, which he had set at the Indian Grand Prix 3 in March last year.
His national record throw, also his personal best, was also the fifth-best throw of the year so far.
Finland’s Oliver Helander bagged the gold with a personal best throw of 89.83m. Reigning world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada claimed the bronze with 86.60m.
The event in Finland was Chopra’s first competition after winning the historic gold medal at Tokyo Olympics 2020 in August last year.
The 24-year-old started with an impressive 86.92m throw. He then recorded 89.30m in his second attempt, bettering his Olympic winning throw (87.58).
The Olympic champion, however, failed to log a valid attempt in his next three throws. In his final attempt, Chopra registered 85.85.
After Turku, Chopra is will compete at the Kuortane Games before heading to Sweden for the Stockholm leg of the Diamond League.
The Paavo Nurmi Games is a gold event in the World Athletics Continental Tour. It is one of the biggest track-and-field competitions outside the Diamond League. (UNI)
