This year’s meet in Doha is set to feature 45 Olympic and World Championship medalists.

Qatar’s high-jump legend Mutaz Barshim and India’s javelin star Neeraj Chopra will look to feed off the ardent support as the Diamond League returns to the Qatari capital on Friday.

Chopra is set to enjoy fervent chants — similar to those for hometown hero Barshim — from the ever-present Indian diaspora in Doha.

“Every time I compete here, so many Indians come to the stadium to support me,” Chopra said on Thursday during the pre-meet press conference. “A lot of javelin throwers do their personal best in Doha, so I feel good when I compete in Doha.”

The reigning Olympic silver medalist will look to replicate his world-leading throw of 88.67 meters from two years ago, lighting up the pulsating crowd at the Suheim bin Hamad Stadium. It will be the 27-year-old’s third consecutive appearance in Doha, where he finished second last year.

In addition to Chopra, a total of 45 Olympic and World Championship medal winners will be in action in Doha on Friday, with the loudest cheers expected to be reserved for Qatar’s own, Barshim.

It will be the Qatari Falcon’s return to action after pulling out of his own What Gravity Challenge last week due to a last-minute hiccup.

“I’m looking forward to opening up my season in front of a home support, it means a lot to me to be able to do that,” the 34-year-old had told World Athletics last month.

The prize pool of the current Diamond League season totals $9.24 million, spread across the calendar. Similarly, a bonus of $5000 is on the line for any broken record.

Barshim, in the pre-meet press conference, hailed it as a step in the right direction.

“It is only right to make sure that athletes are right and they can take care of themselves and their family so that they can do their best,” the four-time Olympic medalist said.

Competing alongside the three-time World Champion will be reigning Olympic champion Hamish Kerr of New Zealand.

Similarly, Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Paris Olympics 200m gold winner Letsile Tebogo, 300m steeplechase medal winners in Paris Winfred Yavi, Peruth Chemutai, Faith Cherotich will also be in action.

The event on Friday will showcase 128 elite athletes, spread across 14 Diamond League finals. The full schedule of the games, alongside the roster, can be accessed here.