When will Neeraj Chopra return to action? Coach reveals update on India Javelin star

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Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra remains in rehabilitation mode following a nagging back injury that derailed his campaign at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

The 28-year-old javelin star, who settled for a disappointing eighth-place finish with a best throw of 84.03 meters, is prioritizing full recovery over a premature return to the circuit, according to Athletics Federation of India (AFI) officials.

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Chopra's coach, Czech legend Jan Zelezny, is meticulously overseeing his calendar as the ace thrower battles the injury sustained during preparations for the September event. AFI spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla emphasized the cautious approach.

"His calendar is with his coach Jan Zelezny. Right now the focus is on his rehabilitation from the injury and not the season opener," he said.

This comes after revelations that Chopra pushed through concealed pain in Tokyo, embodying his commitment to India despite the setback.

No official date has been set for Chopra's 2026 season debut, with longevity now the guiding principle. Sources project a selective schedule blending Diamond League meets and marquee multi-sport events, contingent on fitness clearance. The anticipated lineup includes the Doha Diamond League on May 8 in Qatar, Golden Gala Rome on June 4, Paris Diamond League on June 26, and Prefontaine Classic in the USA on July 4. Later stops could feature the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in August, Weltklasse Zürich on August 27, the Diamond League Final in Brussels on September 4-5 (if qualified), and the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, in September/October.

The injury overshadowed what could have been another medal haul for Chopra, who owns Olympic gold from Tokyo 2020 and a silver from Paris 2024. As 2026 unfolds, fans await the moment this javelin maestro reclaims his throne, balancing ambition with health in a crowded global calendar.