Neeraj Chopra Focuses on Injury Recovery, Takes Break Ahead of Asian Games

India’s top javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is taking a break to recover from injuries after a below-par finish at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

Chopra, who breached the 90-metre mark last season, finished eighth in the 12-man field and failed to make the final round, exiting after his first three throws. His best effort of 84.03m was well short of his season best of 90.23m.

Athletics Federation of India (AFI) spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla said Chopra was carrying two injuries going into the competition, which affected his performance. “He is taking a break and recovering from his injuries. He had two injuries. The focus now is on rehabilitation,” Sumariwalla said on Saturday while announcing the Asian Games qualification standards.

Sumariwalla said Chopra had competed despite advice to skip the event. “We told him not to participate, but he said, ‘No sir, I will try’. I saw the swelling and yet he competed. He never blamed the injury,” he said.

Praising the Olympic champion’s attitude, Sumariwalla said, “There is only one Neeraj Chopra. Many who haven’t achieved even a fraction of what he has talk a lot, but this young man never complains.”

Exempted from Asian Games qualification

The AFI also announced the qualification criteria for the Asian Games, to be held in Japan later this year. Athletes will be required to compete in state meets or at least two AFI-organised events unless granted an exemption.

The National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar from July 8 to 12 will be the final major domestic event before the Asian Games, scheduled from September 19 to October 4. Chopra will be the only athlete exempted from the domestic qualification process for Asian Games selection, the federation said.