In a massive setback for the Indian contingent at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, star javelin thrower and Olympic Gold medalist Neeraj Chopra has been ruled from the showpiece event due to a groin injury.
Neeraj, 24, recently bagged historic silver medal at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene (US) and was was a strong contender for the title at the Commonwealth Games as he had won gold at the 2018 Games at Gold Coast.
Issuing a statement, Rajeev Mehta, IOA secretary general said: “Team India javelin thrower Mr. Neeraj Chopra had called me earlier today from the US to convey his inability to take part in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games owing to fitness concerns. Following his participation in the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Mr. Chopra had had an MRI scan done on Monday and, based on it, he has been advised a month’s rest by his medical team.”
Earlier after winning the silver medal at the World Championships in Oregon, Neeraj had complained about feeling a little discomfort in his thigh after the fourth attempt in the final.
“After the 4th throw, I did feel a bit of discomfort in my thigh, I wasn’t able to put in that much effort. That was on my mind, but I just wanted to make sure I can throw. So I strapped my thigh. Hopefully it will be fine. I will know by morning how it feels or if there is something to worry about,” the star Indian athlete had said.
Notably, Neeraj had set a new national record of 89.94m at the prestigious Diamond League in Stockholm last month on his way to winning a silver medal. He had finished second behind Grenada’s Anderson Peters, who recorded a best throw of 90.31m.