Neeraj Chopra has clarified that he is not injured but chose to withdraw from the Ostrava Golden Spike 2024 athletics meet as a precaution after feeling discomfort in his adductor muscle. The reigning Olympic and world champion in men’s javelin was set to compete in the Czech Republic event on May 28, but the organizers announced on Sunday that the Indian star had pulled out due to an adductor muscle issue he experienced during training two weeks ago.
In a statement, the organizers noted, “The javelin throw at Ostrava Golden Spike promises a great experience. The organizers did receive a message from Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra. Due to an injury sustained in training two weeks ago (adductor muscle), he will not be able to throw in Ostrava, but he will attend the event as a guest.”
Neeraj Chopra’s reason to pull out from Ostrava Golden Spike 2024
Neeraj Chopra, however, soon clarified on Instagram that he was not injured but decided to withdraw due to past problems with his adductor muscle. “Hello everyone! Following a recent throwing session, I decided not to compete in Ostrava as I felt something in my adductor,” Neeraj explained in an Instagram story. “I have had problems with it in the past and pushing it at this stage can lead to injury.”
Emphasizing that he did not sustain a new injury, Neeraj mentioned that he was taking precautions ahead of the crucial 2024 Olympics. “Just to clarify, I am not injured but I don’t want to take any risks during the Olympic year, so I had to take this decision. Once I feel it’s fully recovered, I will get back to competitions,” Neeraj posted on his Instagram story on Sunday, May 26.
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However, Neeraj will be attending the Ostrava Golden Spike 2024 athletics competition as a guest. Last year, he missed the same tournament owing to a muscular issue. On June 18, the 26-year-old will compete at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland.
Neeraj began his 2024 season in the Doha Diamond League on May 10, when he finished second with a throw of 88.36 metres. On May 15, he competed in India’s Federation Cup in Bhubaneswar. In spite of the inclement weather, he won the gold medal with an 82.27m throw.
