India’s track and field stars are ready to shine in Brussels. Here’s everything about their journey, the competition, and what’s at stake
Okay, friends, here we are—on the edge of our seats for the big one: the Diamond League Final! And guess what? This time, we have not one but two of India's brightest lights competing for glory in Brussels. Neeraj Chopra, a javelin champion, and Avinash Sable, a steeplechase superstar, are ready to face the world again. Sounds exciting, right? It's like India's track and field superheroes have teamed up for the final fight!
Athletics: Neeraj Chopra and Avinash Sable to compete in Diamond League 2024 finals!🇮🇳
— Field Vision (@FieldVisionIND) September 10, 2024
The final will happen across 13th and 14th September in Brussels, Belgium.💙
All the best to both!💪@Media_SAI @afiindia #IndianSports #Athletics #NeerajChopra pic.twitter.com/GhpWXqWy8I
But before you grab your popcorn and tune in, let's review the history, the stakes, and why this is a must-see event.
We all know Neeraj Chopra, India's golden boy. He's become a household name since winning that spectacular gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. But there's a bit more to his story. He's not only about medals; he's about shattering records, and this time, he's going for his second Diamond League Finals title after securing a silver in the Paris Olympics 2024.
Chopra had a great career in the Diamond League, winning the Final in 2022 and finishing second in 2023. Chopra finished fourth overall in the 2024 season with 14 points earned from two meets.
He will face strenuous opposition, including Grenada's Anderson Peters and Germany's Julian Weber. But if we know one thing about Neeraj, it's that he enjoys a challenge.
Now, let's speak about Avinash Sable, who has quietly but gradually created waves. This guy is India's greatest bet in the 3000m steeplechase, and he has an incredible tale. From breaking a 37-year-old national record to making the Diamond League Final for the first time, Sable's journey has been nothing short of inspirational.
Avinash Sable's journey to the Diamond League Final has been nothing short of spectacular. Despite intense competition and an up-and-down season, Sable made his mark by beating his own national record in the Diamond League's Paris leg (8:09.91).
Ranked 14th overall, he was able to go to the finals because four higher-ranked athletes withdrew. Despite a difficult season, his persistence and dedication have put him in the winner-take-all race, giving India hope in the steeplechase event.
It's not just about speed for Sable; it's about perfectly timing those jumps over barriers and water pits. He'll be racing against the likes of Mohamed Amin Jhinaoui from Tunisia and Kenya's Abraham Kibiwot. But if there's one thing we've learned from Sable, it's that he can surprise you when you least expect it.
So, what's at stake for our two Indian stars? Aside from bragging rights and the famous Diamond Trophy, the winner of each race receives a generous USD 30,000. That's a lot of money! Second place earns USD 12,000; even if they finish eighth, they will receive USD 1,000. Not too shabby, right?
But it's not just about money. Winning the Diamond League Final also earns them a wildcard spot in the World Athletics Championships next year.
Diamond League Final 💎
— The SportsGram India (@SportsgramIndia) September 13, 2024
When: 13-14 Sept
Where: Brussels
Live on Jio cinema tonight from 11:30 PM
2 Indian Athletes in action 🇮🇳
Javelin Throw - Neeraj
3000m Steeplechase - Avinash#DiamondLeague #Athletics pic.twitter.com/xKAtsfwOJO
You want to make sure you get this, right? The men's 3000m steeplechase with Sable is scheduled on Friday, September 13th, while Neeraj will throw the spear on Saturday, September 14th. Both events will be live-streamed on Jio Cinema in India, so prepare your munchies and set your alarms!