Neeraj Chopra Reclaims World No. 1. Photo Credit: Hindustan Times
India’s Olympic gold medalist and star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has reclaimed the World No. 1 spot in the latest World Athletics rankings. With 1,445 points, Chopra has overtaken Grenada’s Anderson Peters, who is now in second place with 1,431 points. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem has maintained his strong position at No. 4, holding 1,370 points.
World Rankings Breakdown
Neeraj Chopra’s rise to the top comes after a season of consistent elite performances. He had lost his No. 1 spot in September 2024, following a competitive season finish, but has bounced back strongly in 2025. Germany’s Julian Weber currently holds the third position with 1,407 points, followed by Nadeem in fourth. The top four athletes are locked in a tight race, making the competition highly engaging.
Neeraj Chopra’s Stellar 2025 Season
Neeraj’s performance across various global competitions this season has been nothing short of remarkable:
- Potchefstroom Invitational (April): Won gold with a throw of 84.52 meters
- Doha Diamond League (May): Achieved a career-best 90.23 meters, becoming one of the few javelin throwers to cross the 90-meter mark
- Janusz Kusociński Memorial in Poland: Finished second with 84.14 meters
- Paris Diamond League & Ostrava Golden Spike: Claimed first place in both meets with throws in the 88-meter range
What stands out is that Neeraj Chopra has defeated Anderson Peters in all four head-to-head competitions this year. These victories have not only elevated his confidence but also reaffirmed his dominance on the international stage.
Arshad Nadeem’s Steady Climb
Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a stunning Olympic-record throw of 92.97 meters, continues to showcase consistency in his performances. His presence among the top four reinforces the South Asian region’s growing influence in the sport of javelin throw.
Despite not participating in as many international competitions this season as Chopra, Nadeem’s massive Olympic performance and solid form have helped him retain a strong world ranking. His upcoming appearances will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Upcoming Competitions and Rivalries
Neeraj Chopra is expected to defend his world title later this year at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, scheduled for September 2025. Before that, he will headline the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic to be held in Bengaluru on July 5. This meet, organized in his honor, aims to elevate the profile of track and field sports in India and provide a platform for emerging Indian athletes.
The Bengaluru event could also see a highly anticipated showdown between Chopra and Nadeem, should the latter confirm participation. Their rivalry has captured the imagination of fans across South Asia, with both athletes consistently pushing each other to new heights.
Conclusion
Neeraj Chopra’s return to the top of the world rankings highlights his elite consistency and continued dominance in javelin throw. With historic performances including a 90m+ throw and victories in every major competition this season, Chopra is proving to be one of the greatest athletes in Indian track and field history.
Arshad Nadeem’s presence in the top rankings adds further excitement to the global javelin scene, especially with a possible India-Pakistan clash on the horizon. As both athletes prepare for upcoming championships, fans can expect more record-breaking performances and thrilling competition in the months ahead.
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