New Delhi. India's star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is currently encouraging the Indian players from outside instead of taking the field in the Asian Games 2026. Neeraj had to withdraw from this competition due to ankle ligament injury. This decision was not easy for Neeraj, two-time Olympic medalist and two-time Asian Games champion. Now, through an emotional post on social media, he has told how much it is bothering him to lose the opportunity to represent India.
Neeraj wrote on LinkedIn that the Asian Games has been one of the most special events of his career. He won the javelin throw gold medal at the 2018 Jakarta and 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. In such a situation, it is very difficult for him emotionally to stay out of the competition this time. Wishing all the best to the Indian team that reached Nagoya, he said that he will miss walking with the players and being a part of the competition but will continue to support the team from outside.
Neeraj told that he is suffering from ankle ligament injury. After much consideration, he had to accept the decision of not participating in the Asian Games. According to him, it is an honor to take the field with the hopes of the country in a big international tournament, but being away from that opportunity hurts him. He has also been out of the Diamond League final due to injury. His most recent major competition was the Lausanne Diamond League where he finished second behind Rumesh Pathirage of Sri Lanka.
There have been breaks in Neeraj's career earlier also due to injuries. In 2019, he had to undergo surgery on his right elbow. He could not participate in the Commonwealth Games in 2022 due to a groin injury. A muscle strain affected his preparations in 2023, while he withdrew from a competition in 2024 due to an adductor problem. Now an ankle injury has affected his 2026 season.
During this entire period, Neeraj has given special importance to the company of friends. He told that players stay away from home for long periods due to training trips and competitions. In such a situation, the support of the people around helps in keeping them positive and grounded. He said that advice is not always needed in difficult times. Sometimes all it takes is for a friend to call and talk about something other than sports or the injury.
Neeraj told that some of his friends know that he is not in a good place at the moment but they do not ask him questions about his ankle when he calls. They talk normally, laugh, share old memories and make plans to meet. According to Neeraj, such conversations remind him that life is not limited to just the next competition. His message has come at a time when the Indian team is presenting its challenge in the Asian Games and Neeraj is supporting the team by staying away from the field.