Olympichero Neeraj Chopra, along with two other Indians, advanced to the Commonwealth Games men’s javelin throw final after finishing among the top 12 in the qualification round as strong, shifting winds foiled every athlete’s attempt to achieve the automatic qualifying mark here on Thursday.

Chopra, who won the javelin throw title in 2018, was fifth with a best effort of 79.61m, while Rohit Yadav (78.37m) and Yashvir Singh (78.36m) ended the qualification in ninth and 10th positions respectively to ensure a full Indian contingent in the medal round.

The 28-year-old Chopra, who was the last thrower in each round, did not take his third and final attempt as he had already made it to the final by that time.

With a steady headwind and a temperature of 18 degree Celsius making conditions difficult throughout the event, none of the competitors was able to breach the automatic qualification mark of 84m, leaving the top 12 athletes to progress to the final round to be held on Friday.