Neeraj Chopra is already looking ahead to his next challenge after securing a silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The two-time Olympic medallist will return to action at the Lausanne Diamond League, also known as Athletissima, scheduled for August 21, where he will compete against some of the world’s best javelin throwers.
The Indian star faces a tougher battle this time, with the field expected to be more competitive than the Commonwealth Games. Leading the challenge is Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage, the reigning Commonwealth Games champion and current world leader, who edged Chopra for the gold medal with an impressive 89.75m throw in the men’s javelin final.
When Will Neeraj Chopra Play Next? Indian Star Set for Lausanne Diamond League Clash
Neeraj Chopra secured the silver medal in the javelin throw at the 2026 Commonwealth Games with a season-best effort of 85.83m. The Indian star achieved the mark in his second attempt, making it his second competition of the year after finishing fourth at the Doha Diamond League in June. Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage claimed the gold medal, while fellow Indian Yash Vir Singh took bronze.
Chopra has been working his way back after dealing with a lower back injury since September 2025, which forced him to miss the Rabat and Rome Diamond League events. Continuing his rehabilitation in Türkiye, the two-time Olympic medallist admitted he is still building towards his best form but remains confident about improving ahead of the Asian Games.
The javelin star confirmed that he will compete in the Diamond League before the Asian Games, which will be held in Aichi-Nagoya from September 19 to October 4. His next opportunity comes at the Lausanne Diamond League on August 21, followed by the Zurich leg on August 27, with both events playing a key role in qualification for the Diamond League Final in Brussels. Chopra, who won the Diamond League Final title in 2022, will look to secure strong performances as he targets another major appearance.
Neeraj Chopra to Face Arshad Nadeem and Rumesh Pathirage in Elite Lausanne Field
Neeraj Chopra will face another elite javelin field at the Lausanne Diamond League, with several top names from the Commonwealth Games set to return for another showdown. The lineup includes Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem, world champion Keshorn Walcott, Commonwealth Games gold medallist and world leader Rumesh Pathirage, along with former world and Olympic champions Anderson Peters and Thomas Röhler. Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch, Julian Weber and Curtis Thompson will also compete.
The event will feature five athletes who recently competed in the Commonwealth Games final, where Pathirage claimed gold with a massive 89.75m throw. The Sri Lankan has been in outstanding form this season, leading the world rankings and becoming the only javelin thrower to cross the 90m mark in 2026 with a 92.67m effort at the Rome Diamond League. Meanwhile, Arshad and Walcott will look to bounce back after disappointing finishes in Glasgow, as Lausanne also serves as an important build-up event ahead of the Asian Games, where the trio of Pathirage, Arshad and Neeraj are expected to clash again.
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