Neeraj Chopra began his Diamond League title defence with a win but the Olympic champion javelin thrower said he will push himself more in the upcoming competitions this season.

Neeraj, who had bagged the Diamond League final trophy last year, won the season-opening round with a best throw of 88.67m to beat a star-studded field at the Qatar Sports Club on Friday night.

"It was a very hard win, but I'm happy, it's a really good start for me," Neeraj said.

"This season I'll stay fit and consistent. I'll try to do my best in next competitions. I plan to stay fit and do more than I can," added Neeraj, who has his eyes set on breaching the 90m mark.

Neeraj will feature in the Ostrava Golden Spike event in Czech Republic, a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold level meet, on June 27, according to the world body. His current training base is in Antalya, Turkey.

"I hope to come in the first place in the next competitions and keep consistency during this season," the India superstar said.

Neeraj's best throw came in his first try which is his fourth-best effort. The Tokyo Olympic champion had ample support as his compatriots came out to cheer him.

"A lot of people came to support me and they are really happy. Sometimes it's really hard because we have a big country and people have hopes, and now more athletes from my country join me in the Diamond League and other competitions. I'm lucky people have faith in me, I feel really good. This Doha meeting is great, the first one every year," he added.

Despite a quality field, the throws were quite underwhelming compared to last year when both Anderson Peters Grenada and Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic sent the spear beyond 90 metres.

Neeraj had even acknowledged the reputation of Doha giving 90m-plus throws during the pre-event news conference on Thursday.

But strong headwind on Friday made it challenging. "It was difficult for all athletes, but I'm still satisfied with my result," Neeraj said.