Olympic gold medalist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra will not participate in the Ostrava Golden Spike event on Tuesday, May 28, due to an injury. However, he will be attending the event as a guest.
Chopra recently competed in the Doha Diamond League and the Federation Cup, showcasing impressive performances. Despite his successful outings, he withdrew from the Ostrava event after experiencing discomfort in his thigh muscle during a recent throwing session. He shared the news on social media, stating, “I have decided not to compete in Ostrava as I felt some pain in my thigh muscle after the recent throwing session. I have had these problems before. Now I don’t want to take any risk in an Olympic year.”
The event organizers confirmed Chopra’s withdrawal, citing the injury sustained during training two weeks ago. Although he cannot compete, Chopra’s presence as a guest will be a highlight for the event.
Neeraj Chopra began the 2024 season on a strong note, securing a silver medal at the Doha Diamond League on May 10 with a remarkable throw of 88.36m. He also made a triumphant return to domestic competition after nearly three years, winning the gold medal at the Federation Cup on May 15 with a throw of 82.27m.
Chopra’s cautious approach to managing his injury reflects his focus on maintaining peak performance as he prepares for future competitions, particularly the upcoming Olympic Games.