Sports

IIE Digital Desk: Neeraj Chopra, India's top javelin thrower, made a strong comeback at the Commonwealth Games by earning inscription to the men's javelina throw final on Thursday after qualifying for the women'. India's athletics in Glasgow received another boost as the Olympic and World champion was only able to secure his place after two attempts.

Chopra's second attempt saw him throw 79.61 metres, which was less than his first throw of 76.28 metres. His fifth overall finish in the qualification standings was a result of his effort, leading him to skip his third and final throw before being selected for Friday'd 12-man finale.

The day was a success for India, with Rohit Yadav and Yashvir Singh both making it to the medal round. During his second attempt, Rohit reached his best throw of exactly 72.8 metres and did not take his third after qualifying. By achieving his best performance of the night in 78.36 metres, Yashvir steadily improved and secured himself a spot in the final after another impressive attempt by Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage of Sri Lanka in their qualifying round. After a season-best time of 78.63 metres, Pakistan's Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem comfortably outperformed Chopra to secure another highly anticipated medal battle.

Chopra, who has been sidelined due to a lower back injury that hindered his 2026 season, is set to compete in the Commonwealth Games once again. After securing a spot in the Games with an 85.69-meter throw in Doha Diamond League, he is now determined to reclaim his Commonwealth title that spanned from 2018. Injuries prevented Gold Coast Games from hosting the 2022 edition.

Now that all three of India have reached the final, there is no doubt confidence in another one for the javelin men. While Chopra remains a top contender, the competition this Friday will be highly competitive with medal contention led by pathirage and fellow Indian Nadeem as well as former world No.1s such competitors from both India and China.