Indian javelin sensation and two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra has opened up about a recent setback in his illustrious career. The athlete revealed that he underwent surgery in Switzerland following a hand injury he sustained during a training session in September 2024. Despite the injury, Chopra remains focused on future competitions and continues to inspire with his dedication to the sport.
Injury during Training
On September 9, 2024, during a routine practice session, Neeraj Chopra fractured his left hand. Specifically, he injured the fourth metacarpal bone, a key structure in the hand.
Despite the significant nature of the injury, Chopra pushed through the pain to compete in the prestigious Diamond League Final held in Brussels, Belgium, where he finished second, proving once again his incredible resilience.
Surgery and Recovery for Neeraj Chopra
Following the Diamond League, Neeraj Chopra flew to Switzerland for surgical intervention on his fractured hand. Reflecting on his experience, Chopra during an event in Lucknow as per TOI said, “I underwent surgical intervention for a fracture in my hand in Switzerland, but I am averse to enduring another surgery.”
Fortunately, the procedure was successful, and Chopra is now fully fit, setting his sights on a podium finish at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
Learning from Setbacks
Looking back at his experiences in 2024, Chopra shared that the year brought valuable lessons both personally and professionally. “The 2024 season made me a better athlete and person,” Chopra stated. He emphasised that challenges and injuries are part of an athlete’s journey, and these setbacks have only strengthened his resolve to achieve more.
The 90-Metre Target for Neeraj Chopra
One of Neeraj Chopra’s long-term goals is to achieve a throw beyond the 90-metre mark, a target that remains within his sights. “Everyone expected a gold from me at the Paris Olympics. I was confident but had a fear of injuries,” Chopra confessed.
Injury concerns have, at times, limited his ability to train at full capacity, but he remains determined to overcome these challenges and improve his performance.
Future Aspirations: World Championship Gold
Chopra’s ambitions are clear—he aims to continue adding to his medal tally, particularly at the World Championships. “Winning gold at the World Championship for the country has now become my mission,” he declared, underscoring his commitment to bringing further glory to India.
Changes in Coaching
Addressing the recent speculation surrounding the departure of his coach, Klaus Bartonietz, Chopra explained that Bartonietz’s decision to step down was due to personal reasons. “Bartonietz is 75. He is aged and wants to spend time with his family, so it is his decision, and we respect it,” Chopra said. The search for a new coach is already underway, with India expected to hire another foreign expert soon.
Importance of Domestic Competition
Neeraj Chopra also commented on the rising standards of Indian athletes, attributing the surge in talent to intense domestic competition. “There is intense competition among athletes at the domestic level in India, which is why excellent players are coming up,” he said, drawing a parallel to the past dominance of German athletes when their domestic structure was strong.
In terms of training, Chopra has found that preparing outside India offers significant advantages. “I train in South Africa. The weather is quite good, and the facilities for javelin are excellent,” he shared. Training abroad allows him to avoid distractions and maintain consistency in his regimen, which is often difficult in India due to various obligations.
Encouraging Sports Participation
Neeraj Chopra also emphasised the need for greater support for sports at a grassroots level. He encouraged parents to involve their children in sports, not just for medals but for health and development. “Sports is not just about winning gold; reaching the finals is also a significant achievement,” he noted.
As India pushes to host the 2036 Olympics, Neeraj Chopra sees this as an opportunity to prepare young athletes for the future. He called for schools and colleges to balance academics and sports, ensuring that the next generation is ready to excel on the global stage.
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