Neeraj Chopra shares a positive update on his ankle injury and aims for a strong comeback in 2027

Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra has offered an encouraging update on his recovery from an ankle injury, saying he is feeling much better and is aiming for a strong comeback in 2027. The two-time Olympic medalist is hoping to return to top form after the injury prematurely ended his 2026 season.

Chopra suffered a torn ankle ligament during training in August, ruled him out of the 2026 Asian Games in Japan and the Diamond League finals. The setback came after he recorded a season’s best throw of 88.05 meters at the Lausanne Diamond League, where he finished second.

With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, Chopra is prioritizing her recovery as she is expected to return to competition stronger next year.

“Obviously, the Olympics are still some time away, as in 2028. But as you probably know, I had an injury and now I’m coming back. My ankle, which I injured, is feeling a lot better and I’m recovering quite well.”

“So right now the main focus is to make a strong comeback next year and deliver performances that I haven’t been able to so far,” Neeraj said while speaking at the launch of the Audi Q3 2026 in Mumbai.

#SEARCH | Mumbai: Indian javelin thrower and Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra said, “There is still some time left for the Olympics; it will be held in 2028. As you may know, I suffered injuries but now I am in the process of coming back… I am now focused on making a strong, solid comeback next year and putting up the kind of performance I am throwing for the Indian team in the Asian Games…” In 2026, he said, “I think Yashvir and Rohit has performed exceptionally well in the last Asian Games – a gold and a silver. This time we managed to bring home two medals. The emergence of these young athletes is a very positive sign for the future. Let them take care of themselves and simply enjoy their sport.” (16.10) – ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2026

NEERAJ SUPPORTS YOUTH OF INDIA

Despite missing out on the Asian Games, Chopra had reason to be encouraged by India’s performance in the men’s javelin. Yash Vir Singh won silver while Rohit Yadav won bronze at the 2026 edition in Nagoya, ensuring India will continue their medal run. Yash Vir recorded a personal best of 85.72 meters while Rohit managed a best throw of 84.35 meters. Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage won the gold with 88.55 metres.

At the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, Chopra won gold with a throw of 88.88 meters while Kishore Jena won silver with 87.54 meters. Their ranking at number one was an unforgettable moment for Indian athletics. With Chopra and Jena missing in 2026, younger throwers have stepped up to underline India’s growing depth in the discipline.

“I think it was not just Yashvir but Rohit also gave a great performance. If we talk about the previous games, we won two medals – one gold and one silver. And this time, even though neither I nor Kishore competed, we still managed to win two medals,” said Neeraj.

“The emergence of these new and young athletes is a very positive sign for India. It shows that we have no dearth of talent in our country.”

“I wish them all the best for the future. I would just like to tell them to take care of themselves, stay injury-free and enjoy their sport,” he added.

For Chopra, the immediate priority is a full recovery and return to competitive action. With the Los Angeles Olympics slated for 2028, the Indian star will be hoping to use the 2027 season to regain his rhythm and build momentum ahead of the next Olympic campaign.

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