Neeraj Chopra withdraws from FBK Games in Hengelo due to muscle strain: 'Will be back soon'

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Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Neeraj Chopra has withdrawn from FBK Games in Hengelo in Netherlands due to a muscle strain he suffered while training ahead of the event.

In a social media post on Twitter, the world number one javelin thrower wrote: “Injuries are part of the journey, but it’s never easy. Recently, I sustained a muscle strain during my training. Following a medical evaluation, me and my team have decided to avoid any risks which can aggravate the injury.”

“Unfortunately, it means that I have to withdraw from the FBK Games, in Hengelo. Wishing the organisers and the tournament all the success. I am on the road to recovery, and will aim to be back on the track in June. Thank you for all your support!" he added.

The 25-year-old etched his name in the history books after becoming the first Indian to grab the world number 1 ranking in the men's javelin discipline on Monday, May 22.

Recently, Neeraj talked about breaking the 90-metre barrier this year. He also talked about the burden of expectation which will be upon him during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“I need to be better technically this year as the season is long,” Chopra was quoted as saying in a virtual interaction last month.

“There will be expectation and more pressure to win gold in Paris, so I will be even better prepared than the Tokyo Olympics when I go to Paris. But hopefully, with the learning and experience from all these years.

"I hope I will be able to maintain myself, be consistent and get better every time I compete. Of course, the Tokyo gold will motivate me do better in Paris. I will work harder to do even better than Tokyo," he added.