India, Sept. 18 -- Neeraj Chopra's title defence at the World Athletics Championships 2025 ended in sheer disappointment as the defending champion finished eighth in the men's javelin final at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo, the same venue where he had scripted history by winning the Olympic gold in 2021. The 27-year-old, who had raised hopes of back-to-back world titles, struggled to find his rhythm on the night, with his best attempt being a mere 84.03m throw that left him eighth overall.

While he showed no signs of physical discomfort, Chopra failed to breach the 85m mark across his six attempts, growing visibly frustrated with every throw as his crown slipped away in a highly competitive field.

Chopra's eighth-place finish mark...