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India's top javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, has clarified his absence from the Paris Diamond League after media speculations about his withdrawal. Reports had suggested that the Tokyo 2020 gold medalist winner in the javelin throw would miss the Paris Diamond League, scheduled for Sunday, July 7, due to an adductor niggle that has been bothering him for the past few months.
Neeraj Chopra took to social media on Wednesday, July 3, to confirm that the event wasn't even part of his calendar, and thus, there was no question of "withdrawal."
"Hello, everyone. Just to clarify: the #ParisDL wasn't part of my competition calendar this season, so I haven't 'withdrawn' from it. I'm focusing on getting ready for the Olympic Games. Thanks for your understanding and support, and wishing all the athletes competing all the best," wrote Neeraj Chopra on X.
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Although Chopra will not participate, India will still be represented in the Paris Diamond League by Kishore Jena. Jena, who secured a silver medal at the Asian Games 2023 with a personal best of 87.54m, will be looking to regain his form before the Paris Olympics 2024.
Jena has had a challenging season, struggling to breach the 80m mark. However, his recent performance at the Inter-State Athletics Championships in Panchkula, Haryana, where he won a bronze medal with a throw of 80.84m, has boosted his confidence.
Neeraj Chopra to defend his gold in Paris Olympics 2024
Neeraj Chopra is gearing up to defend his gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. The 26-year-old has been in impressive form this season, winning a silver at the Doha Diamond League (88.36m) and gold medals at the Federation Cup (82.27m) and Paavo Nurmi Games (85.97m).
Chopra is currently training in Germany under the guidance of his coach, Klaus Bartonietz, and physio Ishaan Marwaha. He will continue his preparations at Gloria Sports Arena in Turkey until July 28 before heading to Paris to begin his title defense on August 6.
