Top Athletics Luzern: Neeraj Chopra withdraws from competition, shifts focus on Diamond league at Gateshead

Top Athletics Luzern: Neeraj Chopra withdraws from the competition, shifts focus on the Diamond league at Gateshead

Modified Jun 29, 2021 14:22 IST

Ace javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra withdrew from the Spitzen Leichtathletik Luzern, Top Athletics scheduled in Switzerland on Tuesday (June 29). The reason for pulling out of the tournament is still unknown. According to sources, Neeraj Chopra withdrew due to fatigue from participating in consecutive competitions.

Neeraj Chopra was one of the medal contenders at Top Athletics Luzern

The Indian athlete finished third with a throw of 86.79m at the Kourtane Games in Finland on Saturday. He had entered the competition as the second-best in the entry list with a distance of 88.07m. Vetter, who grabbed gold in Finland, currently has the best throw of the season (96.29m).

Their rivalry will resume at the Diamond League, which will be held on July 13. It will be the last preparatory competition before the duo leave for the Tokyo Olympics.

Neeraj Chopra’s chances of Tokyo Olympic medal improves

Neeraj Chopra will be one of the favorites for the podium finish in Tokyo. His chances improved after defending Olympic champion Thomas Roehler of Germany pulled out of the the games due to a back injury.

Earlier this month, Estonia’s Magnus Kirt, the 2019 world championship silver medalist, announced his withdrawal from the Olympics as well because of a leg injury.

Also Read: "The feeling of playing at the highest level is back" — Neeraj Chopra

The absence of two of the top throwers means India’s Neeraj Chopra has a better chance of winning an elusive medal in the track and field event.

ALSO READ: Olympics ki Aasha: How Neeraj Chopra overcame obesity to become a javelin throw star

London Olympics champion Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago registered a 89.12m throw at the Kourtane Games to win a silver medal.

Although, the current world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada did not have the best performance in Finland, he will be a favorite for a podium finish in Tokyo. Julian Webber of Germany could be the dark horse at the Tokyo Olympics.