Federation Cup 2024: Neeraj Chopra Set to Compete In India for First Time in 3 Years

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It's a great news for Indian athletics that the golden boy and World champion Neeraj Chopra will compete in the 27th Federation Cup National Championship 2024 to be held from May 12 to 15 in Odisha.

Chopra's upcoming participation marks his debut in domestic competitions since the 2021 Federation Cup in Patiala, where he achieved his best throw of 87.80 meters.

Before the Federation Cup, the two-time Asian Games gold medallist will be taking part at the Doha Diamond League on May 10 along with compatriot Kishore Jena. This will be Neeraj Chopra's first competition of the season.

Not only Neeraj and Kishore, but also Tokyo Olympian Shivpal Singh and 2023 Asian Athletics silver medalist DP Manu are among the javelin throwers in the Federation Cup list.

Looking back at last year, Neeraj Chopra made history as the first Indian to win gold at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest with a throw measuring 88.17 meters. He also finished second in the men's javelin throw event at the Diamond League 2023 Final in Eugene, Oregon, with a best effort of 83.80m.

In October, he defended his Asian Games gold with his season-best throw of 88.88 meters, as his compatriot Kishore Jena finished second with his personal best of 87.54 meters in Hangzhou, China.

Neeraj, who is 26 years old, had previously talked about his goals for the season.

"The season is going well, and I will try to breach 90th before the Paris Olympics." Neeraj had said to SAI Media

Neeraj's closest attempt to the target was on June 30, 2022, at the Stockholm Diamond League, where he threw 89.94m, narrowly missing the mark. However, it was his personal best and a national record.

Prior to this, he threw 89.30m at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland and 89.09m at the Lausanne Diamond League, but the elusive 90m mark remained unachieved.

As Neeraj Chopra gears up for the Federation Cup, the excitement in the air is palpable, with fans eagerly anticipating his return to domestic competitions.