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New Delhi: Neeraj Chopra endured a disappointing outing in the season-opening Doha Diamond League on Saturday as he finished fourth in the competition. The two-time Olympic medallist failed to clinch a spot on the podium with his best throw of 85.69m and had to settle for a spot outside the top three.

Sri Lanka’s rising star Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage stole the show in the Doha Diamond League by clinching the top spot with a brilliant throw of 88.68m. Pathirage, who Neeraj once backed to make it big, proved the Indian superstar’s prophecy about him right with his extraordinary display in Doha.

It was far from an easy comeback for Neeraj after he was forced to delay the start of the season due to a back injury. The 28-year-old recently recovered from a lower back injury, marking his comeback at the Doha Diamond League after nearly a year on the sidelines. Despite not making it to the top three, Neeraj comfortably cleared Athletics Federation of India’s Commonwealth Games qualifying mark of 82.61m.

Neeraj started the competition with a foul on his first attempt before recording a throw of 82.77m in his second attempt. His best throw of 85.69m came in his third attempt, followed by an 83.45 throw in his last attempt. Pathirage claimed the top spot with his 88.68m throw, followed by former world champion Anderson Petersen, who finished second with a throw of 86.38m.

America’s Curtis Thompson bagged the third spot in the Doha Diamond League with a throw of 85.99m.

🚨 NEERAJ CHOPRA QUALIFIED FOR CWG 2026

On return to the international season, India’s Neeraj Chopra finished 4th with best throw of 85.69m

Well Played Champ on return after injuries 🇮🇳🙌pic.twitter.com/A3gZyfXczO

— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) June 19, 2026