New Delhi, Oct 31:
India’s javelin superstar Neeraj Chopra is expected to return to training in the next couple of weeks after making significant progress in his recovery from an ankle injury that forced him to miss the Asian Games in Japan and brought his 2026 season to an early end.
The two-time Olympic medallist said his condition had improved considerably after an initial period of difficulty. Chopra sustained the injury during a training session in August and subsequently had to stay away from competition, including the Diamond League final.
“My injury is much better now. I faced some issues initially in the first month and a half, but it has improved significantly,” the 28-year-old told Sports Authority of India (SAI) Media.
Chopra said he had consulted renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, who had advised him that he could resume training and begin proper rehabilitation. “I consulted Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala and he has advised that I can now resume training and begin proper rehabilitation. My plan is to start both in the next couple of weeks,” he said.
The Olympic champion added that he had followed the medical team’s advice and taken complete rest to ensure proper recovery. He also acknowledged the support extended by the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and the Sports Authority of India, saying they had consistently assisted him whenever required.
Chopra also welcomed the Union Cabinet’s approval of the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme, which carries an outlay of more than Rs 1,800 crore. He said Indian athletes often faced difficulties in procuring specialised sporting equipment domestically and had to depend on imports. Domestic manufacturing, he felt, would make equipment more accessible to athletes.
He also wished the 17-member Indian contingent heading to the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, success, advising the young athletes to enjoy the experience and not succumb to pressure. Chopra’s expected return to training will be closely watched as Indian athletics looks forward to seeing its star javelin thrower back in action after an injury-disrupted season.