Paris Olympics 2024: India’s Kishore Jena on list of men’s javelin throw finalists from Group A?

When the Group A qualification of the men’s javelin throw played out, all eyes were, on Jakub Vadlejch and Julian Weber, while India also hoped that Olympics debutant Kishore Kumar Jena would also manage a personal best and stay in the reckoning to represent the country in the final on August 8. But as the event began, it became increasingly clear that a shot at the finale would be difficult not only for Jena, but for most of the 16-member group.

With the automatic qualification cut-off set at 84-metres, only 4 Four athletes from Group A managed it. Weber, with a throw of 87.76m, which is more than Neeraj Chopra’s Tokyo Olympics gold winning effort, topped the Group. He is followed by Julius Yego, with a final throw of 85.97m, Vadlejch with 85.63m, and Toni Keranen, who came as a surprise addition, with 85.27m. Weber and Vadlejch did not take the rest of their throws, once they’d qualified.

Only 12 athletes will make it to the final on August 8, so the results of the Group B qualification will determine if any others from Group A will make the cut on account of being close to the 84-metre qualification mark. At the moment, Kernanen’s teammate Oliver Helander is only a fraction away, having registered a formidable 83.81m. He’s followed by Keshorn Walcott, who also got close with a throw of 83.02m.

Paris Olympics 2024: When and where to watch Kishore Jena and Neeraj Chopra’s javelin throw qualification 

Kishore Kumar Jena is currently in 9thposition and his chances of making it to the final look absolutely slim at this point. His best throw was his first, which measured 80.73m only. Defending champion Neeraj Chopra will take the field at 3.20 pm and is expected to be the first thrower of Group B. India’s golden boy will have to come up with a mammoth effort with an 84-m plus for a confirmed slot in Thursday’s final and a shot at defending his title.

Catch all the action from the Paris Olympics 2024 on Sports Network 18 and JioCinema.