Neeraj Chopra will resume training and rehabilitation in the next few weeks
Two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra hopes to return to training in the next few weeks after making significant progress in his recovery from an ankle injury. The injury forced him to miss the Asian Games in Japan, ending the 2026 season early.
Chopra picked up the injury in training in August. He was subsequently banned from the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and the Diamond League Finals, but his latest update suggests he’s now getting closer to a comeback.
The 28-year-old man said that his condition improved significantly after consulting with the renowned orthopedist Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, who gave him the go-ahead to resume training and begin rehabilitation.
“My injury is much better now. I faced some problems in the first month and a half but it has improved a lot,” Chopra told Media Sports Authority of India (SAI).
“I have consulted with Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala and he has advised me that I can now resume training and start proper rehabilitation. My plan is to start both within the next few weeks.”
Chopra also explained that he followed the advice of his medical team and refrained from training to give himself enough time to recover.
“Due to my injury, the doctors advised rest and I followed exactly that. In terms of competitions, TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) and SAI (Sports Authority of India) have supported me for years.
“I have been part of the TOPS core group for many years and whenever I need support they are there,” he said.
His last competitive appearance of the year came at the Diamond League in Lausanne on August 21, where he finished second. He previously won silver at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July.
NEERAJ WELCOME KHELO INDIA SPORTS PROGRAMME
Chopra also welcomed the Union Cabinet’s approval of the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme on October 28, calling it an important step for Indian sports.
The scheme has a budget outlay of over Rs 1,800 crore and aims to make India a major sports goods manufacturing hub in the next decade.
The javelin star pointed out that athletes often struggle to get certain equipment in India and have to depend on imports. He believes that domestic production could make a significant difference.
“The Khelo India sports goods manufacturing scheme which has been approved by the Union Cabinet is a wonderful step. Sportspersons are facing a lot of problems in procuring certain equipment in India or they have to import sports equipment from abroad.”
“With such schemes, since the equipment will be manufactured in India, it will be much easier for them to get it,” he said.
Chopra also sent his best wishes to the 17-member Indian contingent to compete in the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal on Saturday.
Drawing on his own experience of competing at the highest level, he urged young athletes to enjoy the opportunity and not let the pressure overwhelm them.
“I wish all the best to the athletes heading to the Youth Olympics. Enjoy the experience and don’t put too much pressure and don’t get nervous. Whatever pressure you face at the Youth Olympics is good for you because it teaches you a lot.
“Use this opportunity to observe others and turn the pressure to your advantage and I’m sure you’ll do your best.
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