Sports

Chopra Aims for Greater Distances After Surpassing 90m in Doha, Sets Sights on Chorzów

Published

1 year ago

May 23, 2025

After surpassing the long-awaited 90-meter mark in Doha last week, two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra aims to push his boundaries further at the ORLEN Janusz Kusociński Memorial in Chorzów, Poland, this Friday.

Chopra celebrated his successful throw of 90.23m at the Doha Diamond League, but it wasn’t enough to secure a top spot. Germany’s Julian Weber claimed victory with a remarkable final throw of 91.06m—his first throw over 90m.

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The competition in Chorzów is expected to be intense. Weber, the 2022 European champion and 2024 silver medalist, will return as a top contender, alongside Grenada’s two-time world champion Anderson Peters, who has a personal best of 93.07m and finished third in Doha with a throw of 84m.

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Alongside these competitors, the eight-man field will feature Polish national record holder Marcin Krukowski (PB: 89.55m) and fellow countrymen Cyprian Mrzyglod (PB: 84.97m) and Dawid Wegner (PB: 82.21m), as well as Moldova’s Andrian Mardare (86.66m) and Ukraine’s Artur Felfner (PB: 84.32m).

Now 27, Chopra has had his eyes set on the 90m mark since 2018. Following the Doha meet, he expressed relief and optimism, stating, “It was just the beginning. I believe I can achieve more 90m throws and go even further this season, leading up to the World Championships.”

This year, Chopra feels physically better, free from the groin issues that plagued him in previous seasons. With javelin legend and world record holder Jan Železný joining him as a coach earlier this year, he mentioned he is still refining specific technical elements of his throw.

“My coach and I are still working on some aspects of my throw. I am still learning, as we only started working together in February,” Chopra noted in Doha. “In the last few years, I always felt discomfort in my groin, which affected my performance. This year, I feel much better.”

Chopra was originally scheduled to host the inaugural NC Classic on May 24 in Bengaluru, featuring several global and Indian stars, but the event was postponed due to military tensions between India and Pakistan.

This event in Poland marks Chopra’s third competition this season. He began at the Potch Invitational Track event in South Africa on April 16, winning with a throw of 84.52m. The Kusociński Memorial is a historic event, first held in 1954 and named after Olympic champion Janusz Kusociński, making it one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious track and field meets.

Following Chorzów, Chopra will turn his attention to the Golden Spike in Ostrava, Czech Republic, on June 24, hoping to compete after being sidelined by injuries in the last two editions.

With the World Championships in Tokyo this September on his mind, Chopra aims to build momentum as he prepares to defend his title.

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Sports

Suresh Raina Opposes IPL Impact Player Rule

Published

1 week ago

September 5, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Former Chennai Super Kings player Suresh Raina has opposed the Impact Player rule in the IPL.

Raina said the rule gives batters an extra advantage and puts more pressure on bowlers. He noted that teams are now scoring 200-plus runs more frequently, with some even approaching the 300-run mark.

“Bowlers have nothing left,” Raina said, adding that the rule has made their job much harder.

Former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma and several other players have also criticised the rule.

The Impact Player rule allows teams to replace one player during a match with a batter or bowler, depending on the situation. The rule was first tested in the 2022-23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before being introduced in the IPL in 2023.

Sports

Messi Announces Retirement from International Football

Published

2 weeks ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football legend and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39.

Messi shared the emotional decision through a post on Instagram. He said that the decision was painful but felt that it was the right time to step away from the national team.

His retirement came after Argentina’s defeat against Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina lost the final 1-0 at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.

Messi had led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. Argentina defeated France in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final held in Doha, Qatar.

Messi made his international debut for Argentina in August 2005. During his remarkable international career, he played 207 matches and scored 125 goals for his country.

He also appeared in six FIFA World Cups and became one of the greatest players in the history of football.

Messi’s retirement marks the end of a glorious international career that spanned more than two decades. His decision has left football fans around the world emotional.

Entertainment

Cristiano Ronaldo Marries Longtime Partner Georgina Rodriguez

Published

1 month ago

August 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has married his longtime partner, Georgina Rodriguez, in a private ceremony.

Ronaldo reportedly tied the knot with Georgina on Tuesday, August 11. The couple surprised fans by sharing an official wedding photo on social media.

The picture shows Ronaldo and Georgina holding hands while wearing their wedding rings. The couple appeared happy as they marked the special occasion.

The wedding took place in Cascais, a picturesque coastal town near Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. The ceremony was kept extremely private, with only their five children reportedly attending the occasion.

Ronaldo and Georgina first met in Madrid in 2016. They have been together for nearly a decade.

The couple has five children: Cristiano Jr., twins Eva and Mateo, Alana Martina, and Bella Esmeralda.

Ronaldo is one of the most decorated footballers in the world. He has scored a record 146 goals for Portugal in international football and has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award five times.

He recently represented Portugal at the FIFA World Cup, making it the sixth World Cup of his career. At club level, Ronaldo currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

He is expected to return to action when the new domestic season begins on Saturday.