Neeraj Chopra says representing India is his biggest motivation as he prepares for his Commonwealth Games return after missing the 2022 edition through injury. The Olympic champion remains focused on consistency rather than targets ahead of a star-studded javelin competition in Glasgow
Neeraj Chopra headlines India's athletics campaign at the Commonwealth Games, where he faces Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem and Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage in a high-profile javelin contest. India hopes to surpass its eight-medal haul from the previous edition with strong prospects across multiple events
Neeraj Chopra is set to arrive in Glasgow ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, where the two-time Olympic medallist will bid to reclaim the men's javelin title. He returns after missing the 2022 edition and faces a strong field led by Arshad Nadeem
"Given everything that has unfolded over the past 48 hours regarding the invitation extended to Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem for the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru on May 24, his participation is now completely ruled out. For me, my country and its interests will always take top priority," 27-year-old Neeraj Chopra said in a statement.
According to an agency report, Nadeem expressed his unavailability for the prestigious event, a brain child of India's greatest athlete Neeraj Chopra, since he was scheduled to leave on May 22 for the Asian championship in Korea scheduled around the same time.
Chopra, who entered the final as the favorite after a strong 89.34m throw in the qualifying round, achieved an impressive 89.45m in the final—his second-best effort ever—surpassing the 87.58m that earned him gold in Tokyo.