In Turku, Neeraj Chopra showcased his trademark celebration. He waits for the javelin's descent, then turns to face his fans, arms aloft in triumph—a bold statement before the javelin lands. It's a move that signals a big throw, often leaving his rivals scrambling to catch up.

Skipping the Ostrava Golden Spike due to a minor adductor niggle, Neeraj returned in style. With throws like 83.62m, 83.45m, and a standout 85.97m in the third round, he surged ahead of Finland's Oliver Helander at the Paavo Nurmi Games.

Despite his consistent performance, including an impressive 86-meter throw, Neeraj ended with mixed feelings. His final throw of 82.97m was solid but not without disappointment, hinting at higher expectations unmet.

The competition wasn't easy, especially with Finns like Toni Keränen pushing into contention. Neeraj aimed for more distance to secure his lead, but misjudged, stepping over the line for a foul.

Yet, the day belonged to Neeraj, who, amidst challenges, reaffirmed his competitiveness ahead of the Paris Olympics. His journey through Turku highlighted both his prowess and his readiness for greater feats in the upcoming events.