Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra will compete in the Lausanne Diamond League, also known as Athletissima, on 21 August following his silver-medal performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The Indian javelin star will face a formidable field featuring athletes who have claimed the past four Olympic and World Championship titles.
Reigning Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan, Sri Lanka’s Pathirage, Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott and Grenada’s Anderson Peters will join Chopra in Lausanne.
The competition will showcase leading throwers from the Indian subcontinent, the Caribbean, Europe and the United States. Their contrasting techniques and throwing styles could also put Peters’ meeting record of 90.61 metres under pressure.
Switzerland’s Simon Wieland has confirmed his participation after making impressive progress this season.
Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch of Czechia, Germany’s Julian Weber and American world number two Curtis Thompson will also challenge for victory.
Chopra, Nadeem, Pathirage, Peters and Walcott recently contested the Commonwealth Games javelin final.
Pathirage secured the gold medal with a throw of 89.75 metres despite difficult and windy conditions.
Chopra registered a season-best effort of 85.83 metres to claim silver. Peters finished fourth with 83.88 metres, while defending Commonwealth Games champion Nadeem struggled and placed ninth after managing 77.41 metres.
Chopra currently occupies seventh position in the Diamond League standings with five points. Pathirage and Peters have already secured their places in the final after collecting 23 points each.
The Lausanne meeting will offer Chopra an opportunity to gain valuable Diamond League points and strengthen his position in the race for the season finale.
The Indian athlete won the Diamond League title in 2022 and will aim to challenge another world-class field in Switzerland.
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