Chopra out of Commonwealth Games due to injury

Tuesday brought some disappointing news for fans of Neeraj Chopra as it was announced he would not be competing at the Commonwealth Games. Chopra placed second at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon last week, but suffered a groin injury in the process.

Chopra has had a stellar season beginning with a 89.30m throw at the Paavo Nurmi Games back in June. He followed it up with a 86.89m throw at the Kuortane Games and came incredibly close to the 90m mark with an 89.94m throw at the Stockholm Diamond League event in June.

Track and field fans looked forward to Chopra’s performance in Eugene and although he did well winning the silver medal, he suffered a groin strain along the way. “I was feeling the strain after my fourth throw. I wasn’t able to put in as much effort at that point...I was feeling it (the strain). The doubts did creep into my mind after that. I’ve strapped my leg now and hopefully I’ll be fit in time for my next competition. I should, hopefully, be alright.”

Unfortunately, Chopra will need to rest a bit before he can compete again. Rajeev Mehta, general secretary of the Indian Olympic Association, spoke to ESPN saying, “He underwent an MRI scan after suffering a strain at the World Championships and has been advised a month’s rest to recover.”

Olympic gold medalist at Tokyo last summer, Chopra has faced strong competition in the field this season, and was starting to gain ground on Anderson Peters, the defending world champion from Grenada. Peters had surpassed the 90m mark multiple times this season and went on to do the same thing with a winning distance of 90.54m to win gold.

With Chopra’s improvements this season, there is no doubt that he will continue to contend for the top titles over the next two seasons leading up the Paris 2024, but first, he needs to rest and get healthy. In the meantime, Rhit Yadav and DP Manu will represent India at the Commonwealth Games. Yadav finished in 10th place with a throw of 78.72m; a mark he will look to improve upon in Birmingham.