NEW DELHI: India is set to make history at the prestigious Diamond League (DL) as four athletes, forming its biggest-ever contingent in DL, will represent the country at the Doha leg on May 16. Leading the charge is Olympic and World Champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who returns to a familiar venue with high hopes and strong competition.Chopra, who won the Doha leg in 2023 with a throw of 88.67m and finished second in 2024 with 88.36m, will be joined once again by fellow Indian javelin thrower Kishore Jena.Jena, who finished ninth last year with a throw of 76.31m, will be looking to improve his mark and gain crucial international experience ahead of the Paris Olympics.The men’s javelin field promises to be electric, featuring top names such as two-time world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada, reigning Doha winner Jakub Vadlejch from the Czech Republic, Germany’s Julian Weber and Max Dehning, Kenya’s Julius Yego, and Japan’s Roderick Genki Dean.Joining the javelin duo are two other Indian track athletes set to make a mark in their respective events. Gulveer Singh, who holds the national record in the men’s 5000m, is set to make his much-anticipated Diamond League debut. Also representing India is Parul Chaudhary, the national record holder in the women’s 3000m steeplechase, who will compete against a high-quality field in the middle-distance race.This edition of the Doha Diamond League marks a significant milestone for Indian athletics, not just in terms of participation but also the level of international competitiveness. With a blend of world-class experience and rising talent, the Indian athletes will be aiming for strong performances and valuable exposure ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.India’s increasing presence on the Diamond League circuit reflects its growing stature in global athletics, and all eyes will be on Doha this week.
