Why is Neeraj Chopra not competing in Paris Diamond League 2024?

Reigning Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has opted to skip the Paris Diamond League 2024 in order to focus on his preparations for the title defense at the Paris Olympics 2024, scheduled to start on July 26. Notably, in the entry list for the Paris Diamond League men’s javelin throw competition on Sunday, July 7, Indian star Neeraj Chopra’s name has been missing. However, his compatriot Kishore Jena will be a part of the competition.

Neeraj recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify the reason behind his absence from the prestigious competition.

“Just to clarify: the Paris Diamond League wasn't part of my competition calendar this season, so I haven't 'withdrawn' from it.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,” Neeraj Chopra wrote on X.

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Neeraj Chopra is having an excellent 2024 season

Chopra started off his 2024 season at the Doha Diamond League in May. He recorded a throw of 88.36m to secure the second spot. Later, he took part in the National Federation Cup 2024 in India, winning the gold medal with an effort of 82.27m.

Subsequently, in May, the star javelin thrower was expected to participate in the Ostrava Golden Spike athletics meet in Czechia. However, he pulled out of the event after a niggle in his adductors.

Nevertheless, Chopra was back in action at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland, again securing the gold medal with a throw of 85.97m, making it his third appearance of the season.

Chopra will start his title defense at the Stade de France on August 6 with the men’s javelin throw qualifiers. The final is expected to take place on August 8.

Neeraj Chopra, who won a historic gold medal for India at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, is currently training at Saarbrucken, Germany, alongside his coach Klaus Bartonietz, and physio Ishaan Marwaha.

The world champion javelin thrower Chopra trained in Finland before moving to Germany. Later, he will be traveling to Gloria Sports Arena in Turkiye for his training till July 28 before moving to Paris for the mega event.

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