New Delhi, May 8 (Agency) India’s star javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, is geared up to make his long-awaited return to domestic competition as he confirms his participation in the upcoming Federation Cup 2024 athletics meet. The event is scheduled to take place at the iconic Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from May 12 to 15. Neeraj, who clinched the Olympic gold medal at Tokyo 2020 three years ago, has been absent from the national arena since his last appearance at the Federation Cup in March 2021.
The anticipation is high among fans as they eagerly await the return of the champion athlete to the Indian circuit. Aside from his participation in the Federation Cup, Neeraj is also set to showcase his skills at the Pao Nurmi Games 2024 in Turku, Finland, scheduled for June 18. Joining him in the competition will be other notable athletes, including Asian Athletics Championship silver medalist Manu DP and Olympian Shivpal Singh, who are expected to make the javelin event fiercely competitive. Neeraj’s dominance in javelin throwing is well-established, highlighted by his remarkable performance in previous editions of the Federation Cup. In the 2021 tournament, he secured the gold medal with an impressive throw of 87.80 meters.
Furthermore, Neeraj’s achievements extend beyond national boundaries, as he claimed the Diamond League Championship title in 2022 and was crowned the World Champion in 2023. Additionally, his success at the Asian Games held in Hangzhou last year further solidified his status as one of India’s most accomplished athletes. As Neeraj prepares to grace the Federation Cup 2024 with his presence, anticipation and excitement among fans continue to grow, eager to witness his remarkable talent once again on the domestic stage.