Neeraj may opt for World C’ships

New Delhi, July 25 

Advertisement

Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra said he would consider participating in the World Championships later this year after it emerged that he has qualified for the showpiece event. 

Earlier, there was confusion over whether Chopra had qualified for the September 27-October 6 event in Doha. Officials did not have clarity whether his 83.90m throw at the All India Inter-Services Athletics Championships at Jalahalli (September 17-20) would be considered for the World Championships qualification.

But it has now emerged that the Services meet fulfils the criteria to be considered for the World Championships. The qualification mark for the World Championships is 83.00m and the qualifying period is from September 7, 2018 to midnight on September 6, 2019.

An AFI source confirmed that Chopra has qualified for the World Championships, though a final decision on his participation will be taken later. “Technically, Neeraj is qualified by virtue of his performance at Services meet. However, the final selection rests with the selection committee of the AFI,” the AFI official said. World athletics governing body, IAAF, listed Chopra’s performance at the Services meet at the 91st position in all athletes’ chart for 2018, which would mean that IAAF recognises it. — PTI