Odisha javelin star Kishore Kumar Jena failed to qualify for the final at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games as he finished ninth in Group-A and 18th overall with his best effort of 80.73 metres in the qualification round at the Stade de France in Paris today.

But compatriot and superstar Neeraj Chopra lived up to his reputation as the reigning Olympic champion by making it to the final with a monster throw of 89.34 metre in Group-B qualification round. In fact, Chopra emerged overall topper with a season-best effort in his first and only attempt.

The top 12 throwers from both Group A and B entered the final by meeting the qualification mark of 84 metres. The final-round competition will take place on August 8. Asian Games silver medallist Jena registered the 80.73m throw in his first attempt. He was unable to make a valid throw in his second attempt and marked only 80.21 metres in the third.

Other 11 javelin throwers who joined Chopra in the final were: Peters Anderson (Grenada, 88.63m), Julien Weber (Germany, 87.76m), Arshad Nadeem (Pakistan, 86.59m), Julius Yego (Kenya, 85.97m), Luiz Mauricio da Silva (Brazil, 85.91m), Jakub Vadlech (Czech Republic, 85.63m), Toni Keranen (Finland, 85.27m), Andrian Mardare (Moldova, 84.13m), Oliver Helander (Finland, 83.81m), Keshorn Walcott (Trinidad and Tobago, 83.02m), Lassi Etelätalo (Finland, 82.91m).

Meanwhile, Indian wrestling icon Vinesh Phogat caught world-wide attention by reaching semifinals with two hard-fought wins in womens 50kg freestyle event. She started her campaign with a stunning 3-2 win over reigning Olympic champion and four-time World champion Yui Susaki of Japan and then overpowered CWG gold-medallist Oksana Livach of Ukraine 7-5 in the quarterfinals.

In her maiden Olympic semifinal, Vinesh will face Pan American Games 2023 gold medallist Yusneylys Guzman Cuba. With the incredible performance today, Vinesh has also won a war against injustice, injury and victimisation. The 29-year-old had spent considerable time away from the mat last year while leading a protest against former Wrestling Federation of India head Brij Bhushan Singh Sharan, after accusing him of sexual misconduct.
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PHOTO: Odisha javelin star Kishore Kumar Jena in action during qualifying round at the Paris Olympics on 6 August 2024.