Neeraj Chopra, Two Other Indians Advance to Javelin Final Despite Windy Conditions

Three Indian javelin throwers, including Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, qualified for the men's javelin final at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow on Thursday. Competing in difficult windy conditions, Chopra registered a best throw of 79.61 metres to finish fifth in the qualifying round. Rohit Yadav (78.37m) and Yash Vir Singh (78.36m) also secured their places in the 12-man final, making it a strong Indian contingent.

Chopra, the reigning Olympic gold medallist and 2018 Commonwealth Games champion, is returning from an injury that kept him out of the 2022 edition. He improved on his first throw of 76.28m to reach 79.61m in the second attempt. Speaking to the Olympic channel and other media, Chopra said, 'I'm happy I'm in final. That was goal for final. Throw was ok. The goal is to go in final and give my best there.'

He elaborated on the challenging conditions: 'Conditions were not best for javelin throwers. Not only cold but windy. And wind also not from front. It's very hard to process. But sometimes I thought I'll throw there but wind would come from other side. Loads of throwers struggling. Nobody threw automatic qualification.' Chopra expressed satisfaction that all three Indians made it to the final, saying, 'Happy all three Indians are in final.'

Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage led the 18-man field with a first throw of 82.84m, despite treacherous crosswinds of about 13 kph from the west. The qualifying mark of 84 metres was not achieved by any thrower. Former world champion Julius Yego of Kenya and other notable athletes like Pakistan's Muhammad Yasir and Sri Lanka's Sumedha Ranasinghe failed to advance. 2025 world champion Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago narrowly qualified in 12th place with 78.26m.

Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem threw 78.63m on his first attempt to secure a spot, while Grenada's Anderson Peters adjusted his run-up to achieve 81.29m on his second throw. South Africa's Douw Smit (80.64m) and England's Ben East (80.38m) were among only four throwers to cross 80 metres. Smit, who finished second to Chopra at the Ostrava Golden Spike in 2025, has a season best of 84.57m.

The final is scheduled for Friday evening, and conditions are expected to change as winds often shift direction at the Scotstoun stadium. Chopra and his compatriots will aim to improve on their qualifying performances and contend for medals.