Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, an Olympic champion and world championship silver medalist, has withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games, which get underway in Birmingham on Thursday.
Chopra, the reigning CWG champion, suffered a groyne injury on Saturday during in the World Championship final in Eugene, Oregon. According to Rajeev Mehta, the secretary-general of the Indian Olympic Association, he took an MRI scan the following day, and the physicians then suggested one month of rest (IOA).
“Neeraj is not entirely fit, according to the Athletics Federation of India, who informed me this morning. His groyne damage was discovered during scans, and he was told to take a month out of work. Mehta informed the media that he would not be participating in the Commonwealth Games as a result.
The 24-year-old athlete was scheduled to carry the Indian flag during the opening ceremony on Thursday. Mehta stated that a choice will soon be made on the next flag-bearer after consultation with other IOA office-bearers.
Our Olympic Champ @Neeraj_chopra1 will not be defending his title at @birminghamcg22 due to concerns regarding his fitness. We wish him a speedy recovery & are supporting him in these challenging times.#EkIndiaTeamIndia #WeareTeamIndia pic.twitter.com/pPg7SYlrSm
— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) July 26, 2022
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It will be up to DP Manu and Rohit Yadav to try and place third in Chopra’s absence. But with the presence of Peters, the world champion, and Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott from 2012, it won’t be simple. Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan, who placed fifth in the World Championships, will also be a factor. Manu’s personal best is 84.35 metres, and Yadav’s is 82.54 metres.
After winning the silver medal in Saturday’s final, Chopra had stated that he would be able to assess the severity of his injury once his body had had time to cool down. Chopra also hinted that he wouldn’t take any chances with the CWG.
After sustaining an elbow injury three years ago that kept him out of action for a long time, he has been cautious about it. Following surgery, Chopra ceased hurting his body whenever he experienced strain or discomfort. He couldn’t take a chance on another injury after being off for a year.
“At first, he would simply endure discomfort. He has developed now. When he hasn’t slept well, he is aware that it is okay to skip training. He is aware that a morning session is useless without complete recovery. If he feels any tension, such as in the hip or shoulder, he will let us know. If the coach instructs you to perform a 90 kg squat or 90 kg snatch and he is unable to perform it, he will provide comments. Ishaan Marwaha, his physio, has told this newspaper that he is aware of how to avoid injury.
The injury also casts doubt on Chopra’s ability to play in the Diamond League. On August 26, Chopra was listed to participate in the Lausanne Diamond League. He had placed second in Stockholm and was attempting to advance to the championship match on September 7 and 8 in Zurich. Chopra had mentioned a Diamond League championship as a key objective during the press conference held shortly after earning the silver medal at the World Championships.
He had come in second place to Anderson Peters of Grenada at Stockholm. For the first time ever, Chopra placed in the top 3 at a Diamond League competition in Stockholm on June 30.
