New Delhi, July 26 (Agency) In a big blow to Indian athletics with just two days to go for the Commonwealth Games, reigning Olympic champion and medal hopeful javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was ruled out of the competition in Birmingham owing to fitness concerns, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) said on Tuesday. “Neeraj Chopra had called me earlier today from the US to convey his inability to take part in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games owing to fitness concerns,” said Rajeev Mehta, Secretary Secretary General, IOA. “Following his participation in the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Chopra had an MRI scan done on Monday and, based on it, he has been advised a month’s rest by his medical team,” he added.
“Neeraj Chopra will not be defending his title at Commonwealth Games due to concerns regarding his fitness. We wish him a speedy recovery and are supporting him in these challenging times,” IOA tweeted. Chopra scripted history after he claimed silver with a throw of 88.13m at the just concluded World Athletics Championships. At that event, the 24-year-old suffered a strain in his groin muscles of his right thigh. With the silver, Chopra became the second track and field Indian athlete to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships after Anju Bobby George, who won bronze in long jump event in Paris 2003.