India’s Neeraj Chopra and Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga produced another close contest in the javelin throw, with the Indian’s season-best effort falling just nine centimetres short of victory at the Lausanne Diamond League 2026 in Switzerland on Friday.
Neeraj threw 88.05m at the Stade Olympique de la Pontaise but was edged by world leader Tharanga, who won with 88.14m. Former world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada finished third with 86.69m.
“I didn’t realise it was only nine centimetres, it was really close, but I’m happy with the 88m throw,” Neeraj said. “To be honest, it didn’t feel like it went 88m because I felt very relaxed.
“I tried really hard and later focused on my technique. With every competition, I feel that I’m coming back.”
The result continued Tharanga’s recent edge over the two-time Olympic medallist. The Sri Lankan had also beaten Neeraj to the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games last month and has now finished ahead of the Indian in their last four meetings since the World Championships in Tokyo in September.
Rumesh Tharanga also claimed his third Diamond League victory of the season, having previously won in Doha and Rome. His massive 92.62m effort in Rome remains the world-leading mark.
On Friday, Neeraj Chopra opened with 83.54m to move into second place behind Rumesh Tharanga before taking the lead with an 88.05m effort on his second attempt.
However, Tharanga responded with 88.14m to move back ahead and ultimately secure the victory.
Neeraj registered 83.72m with his third throw before fouling his fourth attempt. He opted to skip the fifth round and closed his competition with 82.15m.
The Lausanne Diamond League, also known as Athletissima, was Neeraj Chopra’s third competitive outing of the 2026 athletics season.
The Indian athlete began his campaign with a fourth-place finish at the Doha Diamond League in May before winning silver behind Rumesh Tharanga at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games last month.
The 88.05m effort in Lausanne was his best of the season and his strongest mark since returning to competition.
Neeraj Chopra, who holds the Indian national record of 90.23m set at the Doha Diamond League last year, had previously won in Lausanne in 2022 and 2023 before finishing runner-up in 2024.
