The world’s eyes are on the return of Neeraj Chopra, today there will be a big fight with Sri Lankan star Rumesh who has thrown 92.62 meters.

New Delhi . Indian athletics enthusiasts will have their eyes fixed on the Doha Diamond League 2026 on Friday, where star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who has brought glory to the country on the Olympic and global stages, will return to the competitive arena after a long gap. After the World Athletics Championships in September last year, he was not able to participate in any major tournament due to a back injury. In such a situation, there is excitement as well as curiosity in the sports world regarding his return.

However, Neeraj’s path will not be easy. This time, Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem will not be in front of him, but Sri Lanka’s rising star Rumesh Tharanga Pathiraje stands as the biggest challenge. With a brilliant throw of 92.62 meters in the Rome Diamond League this season, Rumesh not only registered his name in the 90 meter club but also registered his strong presence in world javelin history.

24-year-old Rumesh is currently counted among the best in-form players in the world. His throw of 92.62 meters is also considered a big achievement for Asian athletics. He has consistently thrown the javelin to a distance of more than 89 meters in several competitions this season and recently won the title of the prestigious Golden Spike meet.

On the other hand, Neeraj Chopra has also given his best performance on the ground of Doha. In May 2025, he crossed the 90 meter barrier for the first time on the same track and made a throw of 90.23 meters. However, in that competition, Germany’s Julian Weber left him behind with 91.06 metres. This time Neeraj will try not only to make a great comeback but also to come close to his best performance.

In the press conference held before the match, Neeraj said that he was in no hurry to return. About one and a half months ago, he started throwing regularly again and decided to play in Doha only after the last training session. He told that he is feeling completely fit and ready to give his best.

There have been two matches between Neeraj and Rumesh so far and both the players have overtaken each other once. In such a situation, the head-to-head record between the two is equal to 1-1. This is the reason why this clash is being considered as one of the most exciting javelin matches of this season.

Not only Neeraj and Rumesh, but also veteran players like world champion Anderson Peters, Keshorn Walcott, Jacob Wadlach, Curtis Thompson and Julius Yego are participating in the Doha Diamond League. In such a situation, competition is going to be very tough.

According to Indian time, this match will start after 11 pm on Friday night. This comeback of Neeraj after injury will not only be a competition, but will also be a big test of his preparation and fitness before the upcoming Commonwealth Games and big international tournaments.