Stories
Neeraj Chopra on Injury: "It has happened. Now let's work on comeback."
- •Star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra called his Asian Games absence unfortunate but stressed the importance of accepting the setback and focusing on a quick return.
- •Chopra, who won India's first Olympic gold in athletics, missed a chance for a hat-trick of Asian Games gold medals due to a ligament injury sustained during training.
- •The injury occurred shortly after he achieved a season-best throw of 88.05m at the Lausanne Diamond League, ending his 2026 competitive season prematurely.
- •He expressed frustration, especially after feeling he had returned to his best form, but emphasized that athletes must accept injuries quickly to begin their comeback.
- •Chopra advised Indian athletes at the Asian Games to give their best, visualize success, and leave no room for regret, while also urging patience for aspiring javelin throwers.
Key Questions Answered
Neeraj Chopra missed out on the Asian Games and the Diamond League Final after suffering a ligament injury during training. The injury occurred shortly after he recorded a season-best throw of 88.05m at the Lausanne Diamond League, bringing his 2026 competitive season to an early end.
Neeraj Chopra emphasized that patience is extremely important because javelin is an injury-prone sport, noting that it took him five years to cross the 80-meter mark. He advised aspiring athletes not to push themselves too much or rush the process.
Neeraj Chopra allowed himself to feel disappointed and went through the emotional process rather than immediately trying to brush the setback aside. He subsequently realized that the best approach for an athlete is to accept the injury as quickly as possible and shift focus toward a comeback.
