Neeraj Chopra has opened up about the physical and mental challenges he faced over the past 10 months, describing it as one of the toughest phases of his career. The two-time Olympic medallist revealed that an adductor muscle injury, along with a series of other fitness concerns, disrupted his preparations and delayed the start of his season, forcing him to spend months working his way back to full fitness.
Despite the setbacks, Chopra gradually regained his rhythm and delivered his best throw of the season, 85.83m, to claim a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. As he now shifts his focus to the upcoming season, the Indian javelin star reflected on the difficult road to the CWG and how the experience has strengthened his determination heading into the next chapter of his career.
Neeraj Chopra Reflects on His Difficult Journey After Winning CWG 2026 Silver
Neeraj Chopra has reflected on one of the most challenging periods of his career, revealing that the past 10 months pushed him physically and mentally in unexpected ways.. Sharing his thoughts on Instagram, he wrote, “There are throws that travel far, and then there are moments that carry the weight of an entire journey. The past 10 months has tested me in ways I never expected.”
Opening up further about his recovery process, Chopra said, “Recovering from multiple injuries, rebuilding my body, finding my rhythm again, and learning to be patient when all I wanted was to compete. I was training every day without knowing if I will even have a season to compete this year.” The Indian star had missed the 2022 Commonwealth Games due to injury and had competed in only one event before arriving in Glasgow, where he finished behind Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, who won gold with a throw of 89.75m in difficult conditions.
Chopra also credited the people who supported him throughout his recovery journey. He said, “To be back competing at this level feels good. None of this would have been possible on my own. I’m deeply grateful for the people who never stopped believing in me. My physio, Ishaan (Marwaha) ji who has been by my side every step of the recovery, helping me get back to doing what I love.” He added, “My coach, Jai (Chaudhary), who has been with me since the very first time I picked up a javelin. My family, that always stand strong with me no matter what the circumstances are. The season continues, one step at a time.”
When Is Neeraj Chopra’s Next Event? Here’s His Upcoming Competition Schedule
Neeraj Chopra will next compete at the Lausanne Diamond League (Athletissima) in Switzerland on August 21, 2026, marking his return to international competition after winning silver at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The Indian javelin star has also confirmed his participation in the Zurich Diamond League on August 27, with both meets serving as crucial stops ahead of the season-ending Diamond League Final.
If Chopra secures the required results, he will qualify for the Diamond League Final in Brussels on September 4–5, a title he previously won in 2022. Following the Diamond League circuit, his focus will shift to the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, scheduled from September 19 to October 4, where he will aim to carry his improving form into another major championship.
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