The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): India’s Olympic and World Championship gold medalist in javelin throw, Neeraj Chopra, has withdrawn from the Ostrava Golden Spike competition, scheduled for May 28 in the Czech Republic. Contrary to initial reports of an injury, Neeraj clarified that he is not injured but felt something in his adductor muscle and decided to pull out as a precaution with the Paris Olympics just two months away.
Neeraj addressed the issue on Instagram, explaining his decision: “Hello everyone! Following a recent throwing session, I decided not to compete in Ostrava as I felt something in my adductor. I have had problems with it in the past and pushing it at this stage can lead to injury. Just to clarify, I am not injured but I do not want to take any risk during the Olympic year so had to take this decision. Once I feel it’s fully recovered, I will get back to competitions. Thank you for your support.”
This is the second consecutive year Neeraj has had to withdraw from the Ostrava Golden Spike, having missed the previous year due to a muscle injury. The Ostrava meet was set to be his third competitive event of the season.
Neeraj began his 2024 season at the Doha Diamond League on May 11, finishing second with a throw of 88.36 meters. He recently competed in the Federation Cup athletics meet in Bhubaneswar on May 15, securing a gold medal with a throw of 82.27 meters at the Kalinga Stadium. This was his first domestic competition since his gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Neeraj Chopra is slated to compete next at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland, on June 18.