Neeraj Chopra told SAI Media that his ankle ligament injury is ‘much better now’ and he can start training again within the next couple of weeks— a relief for a man whose career has been built on distance and precision.
The two‑time Olympic medallist—gold in Tokyo 2020, silver in Paris 2024—missed the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi‑Nagoya when a misstep during training sent him home with a sprained ankle. The setback cut his season short and left fans wondering if the javelin king could return to form.
Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, who has been monitoring Chopra’s rehabilitation since the injury, confirmed that the athlete has followed a strict rest period and is ready to begin a focused rehab program. “I followed the doctors’ advice to the letter,” Chopra said, adding that the support from TOPS and SAI has kept him motivated.
While Chopra’s return is a personal victory, it also signals a shift in India’s javelin landscape. Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav earned silver and bronze respectively at the Asian Games in his absence, hinting at a growing depth in the discipline.
Looking ahead, Chopra’s eyes are set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where he hopes to reclaim a podium spot. He urged the next generation to press on, saying the pressure of the Youth Olympics is a learning experience.
The Indian contingent will soon head to the Youth Olympic Games, and Chopra’s comeback story adds extra fuel to the nation’s sporting fire. He’s already eyeing the next big stage—LA 2028—where the stakes, and his ambition, are higher than ever.