What is the Diamond League? Chopra’s Second-Place Finish in Switzerland

The 26-year-old Indian javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, secured the 2nd position in the Lausanne Diamond League on August 22, 2024. 

This silver medallist has previously won silver for India in the Paris Olympics 2024 in the javelin throw event, showcasing his consistent performance at the international level. 

The Diamond League is an annual series of elite track and field athletic competitions organised by World Athletics (formerly known as the IAAF). It brings together the best athletes from around the world to compete in a variety of disciplines, including sprints, middle- and long-distance running, hurdles, jumps, throws, and more.

Also Read: Neeraj Chopra Olympics 2024: Check Match Time Today, When and Where to Watch Live Streaming?

What is the Diamond League?

The Diamond League is an annual series of elite track and field athletic competitions organised by World Athletics (formerly known as the IAAF). 

Launched in 2010, it brings together the best athletes from around the world to compete in a variety of disciplines, including sprints, middle- and long-distance running, hurdles, jumps, throws, and more.

The Diamond League is structured as a points-based competition, where athletes earn points by participating in different meetings throughout the season. 

The series typically includes around 14 to 15 events held in various cities across the globe. The athletes with the highest points in each discipline at the end of the season qualify for the Diamond League Final, where they compete for the prestigious Diamond Trophy as well as prize money.

The league is highly regarded in athletics, as it features top-tier talent and serves as a platform for athletes to showcase their abilities on an international stage.

Here’s the list of the cities in which the Diamond League 2024 is held:

Date	Meeting	Venue	Country
20 Apr 2024	Wanda Diamond League Xiamen	Egret Stadium, Xiamen	CHN
27 Apr 2024	Yangtze Delta Athletics Diamond Gala	Suzhou Olympic Sports Centre, Suzhou	CHN
10 May 2024	Seashore Group Doha Meeting	Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium, Doha	QAT
19 May 2024	Meeting International Mohammed VI d’Athlétisme de Rabat/Marrakech	Le Grand Stade, Marrakech	MAR
25 May 2024	Prefontaine Classic	Hayward Field, Eugene, OR	USA
30 May 2024	Oslo Bislett Games	Bislett Stadion, Oslo	NOR
02 Jun 2024	BAUHAUS-Galan	Olympiastadion, Stockholm	SWE
07 Jul 2024	Meeting de Paris	Stade Charléty, Paris	FRA
12 Jul 2024	Herculis Meeting International d’Athlétisme EBS	Stade Louis II, Monaco	MON
20 Jul 2024	London Athletics Meet	Olympic Stadium, London	GBR
21–22 Aug 2024	Athletissima Lausanne	Stade Olympique de la Pontaise, Lausanne	SUI
25 Aug 2024	Silesia Kamila Skolimowska Memorial	Stadion Śląski, Chorzów	POL
30 Aug 2024	Golden Gala	Stadio Olimpico, Roma	ITA
05 Sep 2024	Weltklasse Zürich	Zürich	SUI
13–14 Sep 2024	Memorial van Damme	Boudewijnstadion, Bruxelles	BEL

Source: World Athletics

Key Moments from Chopra’s Performance

Neeraj Chopra secured second place in the Lausanne Diamond League with a throw of 89.49 m, just behind Anderson Peters of Grenada, who threw 90.61 m to claim first place.

Until the fourth round, Chopra, 26, was in fourth place. However, on his fifth attempt, he successfully launched his spear at 85.58 metres. He saved the best for last, with his sixth and last attempt measuring 89.49 m.

Anderson Peters of Grenada won the competition by throwing his spear 90.61 metres, taking first place. The third spot was secured by Julian Weber of Germany with a throw of 87.08 m.

Final standings:

• Anderson Peters (Grenada): 90.61 m
• Neeraj Chopra (India): 89.49 m
• Julian Weber (Germany): 87.08 m

Diamond League Javelin Throw Results

Source: Wanda Diamond League

Neeraj Chopra’s second-place finish in the Lausanne Diamond League serves as a testament to his consistent excellence. While falling short of gold this time, Chopra’s performance undoubtedly sets the stage for future victories. 

As he continues to push his limits and refine his technique, India’s javelin sensation is poised to achieve even greater heights in the years to come.

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