Published:
- Neeraj Chopra says he is targeting a strong return to competition in 2027 after an ankle ligament injury.
- The injury ended his 2026 season and ruled him out of the Asian Games and Diamond League Final.
- Chopra said the 2028 Olympics remain in his plans, with recovery and a solid comeback the immediate focus.
- He praised Indian throwers Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav for winning medals at the Asian Games in his absence.
- Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra is targeting a strong return to competition in 2027 after an ankle ligament injury brought his 2026 season to an early end. The two-time Olympic medallist has said his focus is on recovering properly and returning with strong performances ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Chopra sustained an ankle ligament tear during training in August, shortly after recording a season-best throw of 88.05 metres at the Lausanne Diamond League. After consulting his doctor and team, he decided to sit out the remainder of the season, missing the Asian Games and the Diamond League Final.
In comments reported by ANI and carried by multiple outlets, Chopra said he was working towards a strong comeback next year and stressed that the Olympics were still some time away. His immediate priority is to return to competition in good condition rather than rush back from injury.
Chopra also welcomed the performances of Indian throwers Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav at the Asian Games. Reports said the pair won silver and bronze respectively, giving India two medals in the men’s javelin event despite Chopra and Kishore Jena being absent.
Chopra described the emergence of younger athletes as a positive sign for Indian javelin and encouraged them to take care of their health, avoid injuries and enjoy their sport.
Chopra won Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020 and silver at Paris 2024. His next phase will centre on rehabilitation and rebuilding his competitive rhythm, with the 2027 season offering the opportunity to return before the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
His return timetable will depend on recovery and preparation. No specific date for his first competition back has been confirmed in the sources cited.
