Neeraj Chopra made his season debut at the Diamond League in Doha on June 19

India’s Neeraj Chopra (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: India’s Olympic and world javelin champion Neeraj Chopra will return to competitive action at the Diamond League in Doha on June 19 for the first time in the 2026 athletics season.The official list of applications for the prestigious one-day meeting confirmed Chopra’s participation. The Indian star has been training in Switzerland in preparation for her comeback and will be looking forward to start the season on a strong note.Neeraj has not competed since last year’s World Championships in Tokyo where he had a disappointing experience. His return to Doha will therefore be closely watched as he looks to regain momentum on the international circuit.The Doha Diamond League holds special significance for Chopra. Last year at the same event, he broke the coveted 90-meter mark for the first time in his career and performed one of the best performances of his season.In addition to aiming for a strong start, Chopra will also have an important goal in her sights. The 27-year-old will be aiming to break the Glasgow Commonwealth Games qualifying standard of 82.61 metres, which would secure him a place at the multi-sport event.There are some elite throwers in the men’s javelin field in Doha to provide a serious test for the Indian ace. Among those confirmed are Czech Jakub Vadlejch, former world champion Julius Yego of Kenya, Anderson Peters of Grenada, Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago, Egyptian Ahmed Sameh Mohamed Hussein, Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage of Sri Lanka, Ukrainian Artur Curfson and American thrower.The competition is expected to be intense, with several athletes in the field already recording throws over 85 meters this season. Pathirage enters the match with a season’s best throw of 92.62m, underscoring the high standard that Chopra will face in his season opener.With a star-studded field and key qualifying marks on the line, all eyes will be on Chopra as he begins his 2026 campaign in Doha.