‘It hurts’: Neeraj Chopra misses Asian Games due to injury

Speaking about his latest injury setback and the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Neeraj Chopra admitted that not being able to represent India at the event that produced some of the most memorable moments of his career was tough.The Tokyo Olympics gold medalist was among India’s top medal hopes in the men’s javelin, but an ankle injury sustained during training forced him out of the Asian Games and the Diamond League finals.Chopra’s withdrawal came almost a month before the Asian Games. His last appearance in a major competition was at the Lausanne Diamond League Meet where he finished second to Rumesh Pathirage of Sri Lanka.The 28-year-old was aiming for a third straight Asian Games gold after triumphs in Jakarta in 2018 and Hangzhou in 2023.“The Asian Games have given me some of the most special moments of my career and not being able to represent India at this edition is tough,” Neeraj wrote on LinkedIn.“I will miss competing in the Asian Games this time. The Indian contingent in Nagoya will miss walking by your side. But I will support you. I have precious memories of the Games. Hope you make some too,” he added.

Neeraj’s latest setback due to injury

The ankle problem is the latest in a series of injuries that have interrupted Chopra’s career in recent years.He underwent surgery on his right elbow in 2019, while a groin injury forced him to miss the 2022 Commonwealth Games. A muscle strain affected his 2023 season before he withdrew from the event a year later due to adductor discomfort.His latest setback has now prevented him from participating in the Asian Games.“I have been dealing with an ankle ligament injury and after much consideration had to accept that I would not be able to compete. Being able to carry the hopes of the country into the competition is a privilege. It hurts to miss this opportunity,” Neeraj wrote.The javelin star also reflected on the importance of having the right people around him when dealing with injuries and spending long periods away from home for training and competitions.“Injuries are a part of sport. You can’t control everything that happens to you. You can only control how you react to it. A big part of that reaction is the people around me. I spend a lot of time away from home – training, traveling and racing, and over the years I’ve learned that it’s important to have people around you who keep you positive and grounded. In your worst moments, they don’t give you advice or even need someone to make you who you are.” added.For Chopra, that support often comes through friends who offer an escape from the constant focus on his athletic career and injuries.“Sometimes you just need a friend to call and talk about something completely unrelated. I have friends who know I’m not in the best place right now, but when they call me, they don’t ask about my ankle. We just talk, laugh, reminisce about old times, promise to catch up; it reminds me that there’s more to life than just another competition. It helps Neeraj more than they probably realize.”