Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra will miss the remainder of the 2026 season after suffering a ligament tear in his ankle during a training session. The two-time Olympic medallist confirmed on Saturday that he will sit out the upcoming Diamond League final in Brussels as well as the Asian Games. Chopra said the decision was taken after consultations with his doctor and members of his support team. Chopra announced the setback through a post on Instagram, bringing an unexpected end to his competitive campaign for 2026.
The injury means India will be without one of its biggest medal contenders at the Asian Games, where Chopra had been expected to lead the country's athletics challenge. His absence from the Diamond League final will also prevent him from competing in one of the most important events on the international athletics calendar. The 28-year-old said he sustained the ligament tear in his ankle while training. Although the full extent and recovery timeline of the injury were not immediately detailed, Chopra indicated that medical advice played a central role in his decision to step away from competition.
Rather than attempting to return for the major events still remaining on the calendar, he and his team opted to prioritise his recovery and long-term fitness. Chopra has established himself as one of the world's leading javelin throwers and has been the face of Indian athletics for several years. He became India's first Olympic champion in athletics when he won gold in the men's javelin at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. He subsequently added another Olympic medal in Paris, underlining his consistency at the highest level of international competition.
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His achievements have made him a central figure in India's medal ambitions at major global sporting events. The decision to miss the Asian Games will be particularly significant for India. Chopra's presence at a major multi-sport event generally carries substantial expectations, and his withdrawal removes one of the country's strongest potential medal prospects in athletics. It also means his fans will have to wait longer to see him return to competitive action as he focuses on recovering fully from the ankle injury. The Diamond League final in Brussels was another key target on Chopra's 2026 calendar.
The elite competition brings together leading athletes from across the world, making his absence a major setback for the Indian star. Chopra's decision to withdraw from both events reflects the seriousness with which he and his medical team are approaching the injury, with recovery taking precedence over a rushed return to competition. Chopra's announcement brings his 2026 season to an early close, but it also gives him an opportunity to concentrate entirely on rehabilitation. The precise timeline for his return will depend on his recovery and subsequent medical assessments. For now, the javelin thrower has made clear that he will not compete for the rest of the season, choosing to focus on regaining full fitness before returning to international competition.
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