His stunning monster throw of 89.34m in the qualification round made quite a statement but a tough challenge awaits defending champion Neeraj Chopra as he seeks another piece of history in the Paris Olympics men’s javelin throw final on Thursday.

Just like he did in Tokyo three years ago, Neeraj needed just a few seconds to top the qualification round with his opening throw but the similarity ends there.

This time, the quality of the field is better, with nine throwers crossing the automatic final round qualification mark of 84m, against six in Tokyo. Of the nine, five made it to the final round with their first throws and thus will have a lot in their tanks for the medal round.

The 26-year-old Neeraj knows it too well, having been in the global circuit for more than eight years.

“In the final, everyone has a different mindset and different situation. It will be a good competition. Whoever qualifies automatically is the best in preparation,” Neeraj — gunning to become only the fifth man in Olympic javelin throw history to defend the title — said after his “lightning” appearance on the field.

PTI