Neeraj Chopra finishes 2nd with 85.71m throw, Sreeshankar 5th with 7.99m jump

India`s Neeraj Chopra competes in the men`s javelin throw final during the Diamond League athletics meeting at Stadion Letzigrund stadium in Zurich. Pic/AFP

India's Neeraj Chopra finished second in the men's javelin throw event at the Zurich Diamond League meet on Thursday night behind Jakub Vadlejch (85.86).

The start was not impressive as he threw 80.79m in his first attempt and could not register a mark in his next two attempts. Chopra then threw 85.22m in his fourth attempt.

He produced his best throw of the night with his final attempt, an 85.71m heave that secured him the second spot.

The Indian's best effort was just 15 centimetres short of Vadlejch's best throw on the night.

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After 4 Diamond League events, Chopra finished at third spot with 23 points. Meanwhile, India Murali Sreeshankar has also qualified for the Diamond League final after finishing fifth (best attempt: 7.99m) in the men's long jump. He accumulated 14 points (6+4+4) from the three Diamond League events he participated.

The Diamond League finals is scheduled for September 16-17 in Eugene (US).

Meanwhile, Chopra on Saturday insisted that it is not easy for an athlete to peak when one participates in back-to-back events. He won the World Athletics Championships gold last Sunday and then settled for a silver (85.71m) at the Zurich Diamond League on Thursday.

Chopra is well aware of the pressure he will endure to defend his title at next year's Paris Olympics. And before that, he needs to give his best at the Hangzhou Asian Games (September 23 to October 8).

"It was a big challenge to win the first Olympic gold medal [in Tokyo]. But to defend my title is going to be a much bigger one [challenge] since everybody will come prepared. The pressure on me will be humongous - much more than in Tokyo because there will be a lot more expectations," Chopra said during an online interaction conducted by JSW Sports on Friday.

"I have my own expectations, but the most important thing for me will be to stay injury-free. Also, there is less time between the Eugene Diamond League [September 16-17] and Asian Games. Both competitions are important. I need to do well at the Asian Games too and for that, I need to prepare mentally."

(With agency inputs)