Sports

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

Published

7 months 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

Historic Test Debut in Guwahati as South Africa Reach 247/6 on Day 1

Published

3 weeks ago

November 23, 2025

Namma Kudla

On the first day of the second Test between India and South Africa at Barsapara Stadium, South Africa made a strong start, reaching 247 for 6 at stumps.The venue, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, hosted its very first Test match in history — making the day special for Guwahati and cricket in Assam.

South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first.Their openers, Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35), gave a solid start with a partnership of 82 runs.Later, Tristan Stubbs added 49 before getting out, while Bavuma made 41.

India fought back well thanks to a strong performance by spinner Kuldeep Yadav. He picked up 3 wickets and gave away only 48 runs in 17 overs.Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with an important wicket, dismissing Bavuma. In the final over before stumps, Mohammed Siraj struck, getting Tony de Zorzi out.At the end of play, Senuran Muthusamy was unbeaten on 25, and Kyle Verreynne was 1 not out.

The light became a concern late in the day. As visibility dropped, play was stopped, and light issues forced the umpires to call it a day early.Overall, India ended Day 1 with a degree of satisfaction. The bowling attack showed discipline, especially through their spinners, and they managed to check the South African momentum.

Sports

India A Post 297/4 as Vaibhav Suryavanshi Smashes 144 Off 42 Balls

Published

4 weeks ago

November 14, 2025

Namma Kudla

India A began their Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 campaign with a huge total against the UAE in Doha. Captain Jitesh Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first. Vaibhav Suryavanshi then produced a stunning innings. He scored 144 runs from just 42 balls. His knock included 11 fours and 15 sixes.

Suryavanshi reached his fifty in 17 balls. He completed his century in only 32 balls. He added 163 runs for the second wicket with Naman Dhir, who made 34. Jitesh Sharma also played a quick innings and scored a fast fifty.

India A finished at 297 for 4 in 20 overs. The team now holds a strong position in the match.

Sports

Sri Lankan Players Express Security Fears in Pakistan, Board Urges Them to Stay

Published

1 month ago

November 13, 2025

Namma Kudla

Some Sri Lankan cricketers in Pakistan have asked to return home after a bomb blast in Islamabad killed 12 people on Wednesday. The team is currently playing a three-match ODI series in Rawalpindi, which is close to Islamabad.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said in a statement that it had spoken to the players and assured them of their safety. The board is working with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and local authorities to ensure full security.

SLC has directed all players and staff to continue the tour. It warned that if anyone still chooses to return, replacements will be sent and a review will be held later.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are also set to play a T20I tri-series with Zimbabwe from November 17 to 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore. PCB chief and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is overseeing the security arrangements for all three teams.