Neeraj Chopra Provides Encouraging Ankle Injury Update, Eyes Return In 2027

Last Updated:October 17, 2026, 3:25 PM IST

Neeraj Chopra says that his recovery is on track and he is targeting a strong comeback next season after missing the 2026 Asian Games with an ankle injury.

India’s Neeraj Chopra during the warm-up session before the start of the inaugural edition of the Neeraj Chopra Classic international javelin competition

Double Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra has said that he is working on his rehabilitation from the ankle injury that he sustained earlier this year and his recovery is right on track, as he targets to make a comeback next season.

Chopra suffered an ankle ligament tear during training in August, forcing him to miss the 2026 Asian Games in Japan and the Diamond League Final. The injury came after he registered a season-best throw of 88.05 metres to finish second at the Lausanne Diamond League.

With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in sight, Chopra is focused on completing his recovery and returning to competition stronger next year.

“Absolutely, the Olympics are still some time away, as they are in 2028. But as you probably know, I had an injury and now I am making my comeback. My ankle, which I injured, is feeling much better and I am recovering quite well,” Chopra said while speaking at an event in Mumbai.

“So, right now, the main focus is to make a strong comeback next year and deliver the performances that I have not been able to achieve so far,” Chopra added.

Despite missing the Asian Games, Chopra would have been encouraged by India’s showing in the men’s javelin throw at the 2026 edition in Nagoya. Yash Vir Singh clinched silver with a personal best of 85.72 metres, while Rohit Yadav took bronze with a best effort of 84.35 metres, extending India’s medal-winning streak in the event.

Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage claimed gold with a throw of 88.55 metres.

“I think it was not just Yashvir, but Rohit also put in 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 Kishore nor I were competing, we still managed to win two medals,” Chopra said.

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What injury did Neeraj Chopra suffer, and when did it happen?

Neeraj Chopra suffered an ankle ligament tear during a training session in August. The injury forced him to end his 2026 competitive season prematurely.

Which major competitions did Neeraj Chopra miss due to his ankle injury?

Due to his ankle ligament tear, Chopra was forced to miss both the 2026 Asian Games in Japan and the Diamond League Final.

How did Indian javelin throwers perform at the 2026 Asian Games in Chopra’s absence?

In Chopra’s absence at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Yash Vir Singh won the silver medal with a personal best of 85.72 meters, and Rohit Yadav secured the bronze with 84.35 meters.

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