Ace Indian javelin throw star Neeraj Chopra, who has been nursing an injury he picked up ahead of the World Championships last year, is yet to zero-in on when to open his 2026 campaign, World Athletics Vice president and AFI spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla said.
The double Olympic medallist finished eighth at the Tokyo World Championships 2025 due to a back injury he had sustained in the lead up to the event.
Sumariwalla revealed that, “Neeraj is recovering from his injuries. During the World Championships, he had two injuries. Athletes don’t usually play with such injuries, but he didn’t say a word.”
“We even asked Neeraj not to compete but he said I have to do it for the country,” he added.
“Two weeks ago I had some back issues but I didn’t want
to tell anyone. I was thinking I would still manage to get through it. But javelin is really tough. If you are not in a good shape, you’re out,” Chopra had said following the conclusion of the Worlds last year.
Sumariwalla added that Chopra, who trains with the legendary Jan Zelezny has been paying attention to rehab from the injury that has stifled his performances and is yet to decide on a date for retur to action.
“His calendar is with his coach Jan Zelezny. Right now the focus is on his rehabilitation from the injury and not the season opener.”
“The qualification standards are set as per the fifth or sixth place finish at the last edition of the Asian Games. We have kept it tighter to make the qualification competitive,” Sumariwalla said.
“The final decision lies with the selection committee. The athletes have to keep their performance up throughout the season. It is mandatory for athletes to participate in the state meet.”
“Events like men’s javelin throw, high jump and long jump will see tighter competition than others and the qualification standards are expected to be overhauled by much higher marks,” he continued.
“We have kept tighter marks in certain events such as men’s and women’s 100m, 200m and 400m as we don’t want to carry passengers. The athletes who qualify but don’t have much medal potential,” Sumariwalla added.
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