Explained: The Diamond League

Neeraj Chopra won the Diamond League Trophy in 2022 in the Javelin Throw event. Until then, very few people in India knew about the Diamond League – a series of elite World Athletics events. Let us have a look at what Diamond league is..

Diamond League:

The Wanda Diamond League is top-tier of athletics global invitational track and field competitions.This began in 2010. Currently a Diamond League season comprises of 14 meetings spread across Europe, Asia, Africa and USA. Each meeting offers $350,000 in prize money.

The Diamond League consists of 32 field and track events (16 Men and 16 Women). These events are spead across the 14 meetings. Athletes competing in Diamond League accumulate points throughout the season to earn a place in the Diamond League final. The winner of the Diamond League finals wins the trophy and a $30,000 prize money.

Annually Diamond League provides around $6 million prize money.

Rules of Diamond League:

At each of the 14 series meetings, athletes are awarded 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 points for ranking 1st to 8th respectively. The top six in the field events, top eight for 100m-800m and the top ten for 1500m and long distance events will qualify for the Final. In case of a tie, the athlete with the best legal performance of the season is ranked higher. 

Those who have qualified compete in a winner-takes-all competition at the final to be crowned Wanda Diamond League Champion in their chosen discipline. All 32 Diamond League Champions (one man and one woman in each of the 16 disciplines) are crowned over two days of athletics action at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene. Each champion is awarded a prestigious “Diamond Trophy”, US$ 30’000 prize money and a wild card for the World Athletics Championships.

Prize Money:

Events that are part of Diamond League:

Track Events: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m/5000m, 3000m Steeplechase, 100m Hurdles/110m Hurdles, 400m Hurdles

Field Events: Shot Put, Discuss, Javelin, Long Jump, High Jump, Triple Jump, Pole Vault

2023 Diamond League Calendar:

Event allotment in 2023 Diamond League (as of 1st April 2023)

Indian Athletes expected to be part of 2023 Diamond League: Neeraj Chopra (Javelin Throw), Avinash Sable (3000m Steeplechase), Murali Sreeshankar (Long Jump).

How to watch: Last year Voot/Sports 18 telecasted Diamond League events in India. It is yet to be seen where 2023 Diamond League will be telecast.