Neeraj Chopra has pulled out of the 2026 Asian Games and the rest of the athletics season after tearing a ligament in his ankle during training. The two-time Olympic medallist confirmed the setback on August 29 after consulting his doctor and support team. The injury came after Chopra set a season best 88.05m throw in the Lausanne Diamond League. His withdrawal means that India will participate in the Asian Games without one of its star contenders in the men’s javelin. Chopra will now concentrate on his recovery and return safely to the sport.
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Why Has Neeraj Chopra Withdrawn From Competition?
Chopra’s ankle injury sees his 2026 campaign end prematurely. He had just begun to make the most of things after returning from his lengthy injury layoff, making the timing of the setback especially disappointing. After discussing it with his doctor and support team, Chopra has decided not to take the risks and will miss the Asian Games and the Diamond League Final.
Injury: Ligament tear in the ankle during training.
Asian Games: Chopra will miss the 2026 event in Japan.
Diamond League: He will miss the Final in Brussels.
Season: His 2026 campaign has ended.
Recovery: Chopra’s focus is on rehabbing and having a successful return.
Chopra’s Tough 2026 Season
Chopra started 2026 on a high after he recovered from a back injury which had kept him out of the sport for some time. He made his return in the Doha Diamond League in June where he recorded an 85.69m throw which saw him finish in fourth place. He then went onto improve to 85.83m in Glasgow where he won the silver medal before recording his season’s best in Lausanne.
The Lausanne achievement had given the hope that things were coming together for Chopra who is now back in rhythm. His 88.05m throw saw him come in second place as he remained in contention to represent his country at the Diamond League Final. However, the ankle injury that followed has put a stop to what was shaping to be a successful return season for the star marksman.
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Asian Games Lose Big Contender
Chopra’s absence is a big blow to his country’s athletics campaign at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The event is scheduled from September 19 to October 4 and Chopra had been seen as one of the country’s potential medal contenders. He had even entered the event as the defending Asian Games men’s javelin champion.
The focus will be on India’s other javelin throwers now as they look to contend against the other nations in the competition. Rohit Yadav has emerged as an important contender after his personal-best 87.68m throw at a World Athletics Silver Level Continental Tour event in Bhubaneswar. However, replacing the experience and international record of Chopra will be a challenge for the Indian team.
Key Highlights
Neeraj Chopra injured: He tore a ligament in his ankle during training.
Asian Games withdrawal: Chopra will miss the Aichi-Nagoya Games in Japan.
Season ended: He has pulled out of all the 2026 competitions.
Diamond League Final: His injury sees him miss the Brussels final.
Recent form: Chopra threw a season best 88.05m in Lausanne.
Recovery first: The javelin star has now prioritised his rehabilitation and return.
Recovery Will Take Priority
Neeraj Chopra’s withdrawal is a big blow to his country in the upcoming Asian Games. However, the decision for him to pull out of the season has been made after he has consulted his doctor and support team. The long-term goal now for the two-time Olympic medallist is to recover and get back to where he wants to be in his sport. Chopra has already battled through a number of injury setbacks in his career and has remained one of the country’s top-performing athletes. His next priority will be to focus on getting fully fit.
