Olympic gold medalist India’s ace javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra on Tuesday withdrew from the Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022 following a groin injury, that he sustained during the World Athletics Championships earlier this month. Neeraj Chopra won a silver medal in the javelin throw event at the Championships. He also became India’s first athlete to win silver medal at Championships history, and only the 2nd Indian to win a medal after former long jumper Anju Bobby George.
After being forced to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games – scheduled to start from July 29 in Birmingham – Neeraj Chopra took to his official social media accounts to share a heartfelt message for fans.
“I’m extremely disappointed to inform you all that I will not be able to represent the country at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham,” Neeraj Chopra wrote.
“I had been feeling uncomfortable after the pull I felt in my groin during my fourth throw at the World Championships. On having it investigated medically yesterday by a group of doctors here in the US, a minor strain was discovered and have been advised to undergo rehabilitation and give it rest for the next few weeks.
I have discussed this with my support team and the IOA, AFI and SAI’s CAIMS, and we’ve collectively decided that keeping my long-term goals in mind, it would be best for me to skip the CWG in order to avoid risking any further aggravation of the injury.”
Neeraj Chopra further stated that he was “hurt” at not being able to defend the title. Chopra had won the gold medal in the 2018 edition of the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, registering the best throw of 86.47m in the final.
“Needless to say, am hurt about not being able to defend my title and missing out on another opportunity to represent the nation. am especially disappointed about losing out on the opportunity to be Team India’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony, an honour was looking forward to having in a few day’s time,” wrote Neeraj Chopra.
“For now, I will focus on my rehabilitation and hope to be back in action very soon. I would like to thank the entire country for all the love and support I’ve received over the past few days, and urge you all to join me in cheering on my fellow TeamIndia athletes in Birmingham over the coming weeks.”
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) July 26, 2022
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CWG Birmingham Neeraj Chopra Javelin Sports Kolkata
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