Neeraj Chopra Plans To Compete in Laussane Diamond League on August 22; May Return India Late September

Add as a preferred source on Google

Neeraj Chopra, India's star javelin thrower and two-time Olympic medallist, has decided to compete in the Lausanne Diamond League on August 22, 2024, as he continues to manage his groin injury in the Swiss city with coach Bartonietz Klaus.

In a virtual press conference with Indian media on August 17, Neeraj Chopra confirmed his participation, stating, "The plan is now to compete in Lausanne Diamond League on August 22 as I am feeling good with my injury management."

He further expressed his gratitude towards his physio, Ishan Marwaha, saying, "I want to thank my physio Ishan in managing the injury and helping me ready for the big tournaments. He ensured I didn't lose strength while I wasn't able to throw much in training."

It was also his commitment to the upcoming Diamond League events that Neeraj missed the grand felicitation ceremony for Indian athletes, including the five bronze medallists from the recently concluded Paris Olympics, at the Red Fort in New Delhi on August 15.

Neeraj's season has been marred by a persistent adductor injury, which he has been competing with throughout the year. After narrowly missing out on retaining his Olympic title to Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, Neeraj mentioned that surgery might be an option after the season ends, following consultations with his team.

Looking ahead, Neeraj's focus remains on the Diamond League Finals in Brussels on September 14, 2024. His current position in the javelin throw points table sees him in fourth place with seven points, garnered from his second-place finish at the Doha Diamond League in May. With the Lausanne and Zurich Diamond Leagues (on September 5) as the last two events before the final, Neeraj needs to maintain his position within the top six to qualify for Brussels.

On his plans to return to India, Neeraj Chopra said, "I will be back in India by the end of September as after the Brussels Diamond League Finals on September 14, the athletics season will be over. I will have all the time to go home or get my injury treated and get the surgery done if needed."

The athletics world remains eager to see whether Neeraj Chopra will be fit enough to continue competing, especially with the possibility of another exciting India vs. Pakistan showdown with Arshad Nadeem before the season concludes.