New Delhi, Sept. 18 -- On August 7 2021 at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo, Neeraj Chopra conquered the world with an Olympic gold medal to bring India into the global javelin map. A little more than four years later, Neeraj sat on the bench at the same venue, disappointed and dejected after finishing eighth in the men's javelin throw final of the World Athletics Championship.

On Thursday, Neeraj struggled from his first throw itself. Not because of the slippery track due to rainfall, but the two-time Indian double Olympic medallist didn't look in his best shape fitness-wise and looked frustrated after each passing throw. Under a new format, Neeraj managed to get past four rounds but had to accept a rare elimination in the fifth roun...