Neeraj Chopra Likely to Miss Indian Olympic Medallists' Felicitation at Red Fort on August 15

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Neeraj Chopra is likely to miss the gala felicitation ceremony of the Indian athletes, who won medals at the recently concluded Paris Olympics. Neeraj Chopra, who stayed back in Europe after winning the silver medal in the men's javelin final, has cited his groin injury as one of the reasons behind his expected absence.

All the other athletes, including the five bronze medallists, will attend the felicitation ceremony at the Red Fort during the flag hoisting for the 78th Independence Day celebration. All the athletes will go to the PM's residence for lunch with PM Narendra Modi.

"As of now, Neeraj Chopra is not coming for the event," a SAI official told myKhel. "He is saying that he has injury concerns and wants to stay back and recover. But the felicitation ceremony is at the Red Fort this time and that's why efforts are being made to convince him to come."

Neeraj Chopra earlier stated after losing his Olympic title to Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem that his adductor injury issue has remained persistent throughout the season and he has been competing with it throughout the season. He also added that he may consider surgery after consulting with his team.

A senior Athletics Federation of India (AFI) official also revealed that competing at the Laussane Diamond League on August 22 is also being considered as Diamond League Finals are slated in Brussels on September 13-14. If his fitness permits, the two-time Olympic medallist needs to finish among the top 6 of the Diamond League's javelin throw points table and is currently placed fourth with seven points, which came from his second-placed finish in Doha DL back in May.

Laussane and Zurich Diamond Leagues (September 5) are the two remaining events with men's javelin before the final in Brussels. The 26-year-old, who won the Diamond League Title in 2022, earlier missed the Paris leg back in early July to focus on his Olympics preparations. With reigning Olympic Champion Arshad Nadeem also in the fray (currently fifth with five points), fans may get to witness another India vs Pakistan javelin showdown before the athletics season folds. Everything hinges on if Neeraj Chopra will be fit enough to compete or not.