Neeraj Chopra has received approval for a 47-day training camp in Switzerland as the Indian star begins preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games later this year. The Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) during its 173rd meeting on Wednesday approved the proposal for the two-time Olympic medalist while also approving the overseas training exposure of shooter Manu Bhaker ahead of the crucial multi-sport season.
Neeraj, who is currently rehabilitating from a back injury in Turkiye, will train at the Olympic Training Center in Bienne, Switzerland from May 25 to July 10 under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
With a busy calendar, the coming months are especially important for the Indian spear star.
The Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, while the Asian Games are scheduled in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4.
And frankly, both the tournaments already hold strong memories for Neeraj.
The 28-year-old won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and also dominated the Asian Games with back-to-back gold medals in 2018 and 2022. After a tough climb to the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where he finished eighth, this training block now becomes a major part of his attempt to get back into top form ahead of the season’s two biggest events.
Neeraj will be traveling with his long-time physio Ishaan Marwa and trainer Jai Choudhary during the camp. The approved proposal includes airfare, accommodation, food, medical insurance, visa expenses, baggage allowances for javelin equipment and medical facilities along with a daily allowance.
NEERAJ CHOPRA STARTS JOURNEY TO COMMONWEALTHS, ASIAN GAMES
For Neeraj, this Swiss camp is less about experimentation and more about regaining consistency after last year’s injury layoffs.
The Indian star has remained one of the biggest names in world athletics over the past few seasons, but fitness issues, particularly concerning his back, have repeatedly disrupted momentum at key moments.
This made his eighth-place finish at the 2025 World Cup unusually impressive compared to the standards he had set for himself.
Now, with the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games fast approaching, the focus shifts to regaining physical and technical rhythm before the international season ramps up.
Training in Bienne also gives Neeraj access to one of Europe’s best Olympic training facilities, something Indian athletes increasingly prefer ahead of the last Olympic cycle.
The timing of the camp is equally important as the Commonwealth Games start barely two weeks after Neeraj’s Switzerland block ends, leaving very little room for post-matching before the competition begins.
However, given his record, Neeraj will once again enter both events as one of India’s best medal hopes.
MANU BHAKER, GULVEER SINGH ALSO GET FOREIGN TRAINING APPROVAL
The Mission Olympic Cell has also approved a foreign training proposal for two-time Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker, who will travel to Lucca, Italy from May 13 to 22 alongside coach Jaspal Rana and physio Snehil Khurana.
The 24-year-old shooter is expected to compete in both the 10m and 25m air pistol events at the 2026 Asian Games, where she remains one of India’s strongest medalists after her breakout performances in Paris.
The approved proposal covers travel, accommodation and flight costs for the three-person team.
Meanwhile, long-distance runner Gulveer Singh has also received clearance for a 34-day training and competition excursion to the United States from May 15 to June 17.
The Asian Games bronze medalist and Asian Championship gold winner will take part in elite events in Los Angeles and Nashville during the trip as India continues to push more athletes into overseas training environments ahead of major international events.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
13 May 2026 20:00 IST
