Neeraj Chopra's Season Ends Due to Ankle Injury, Out of Asian Games and Major Tournaments

Season Over for Neeraj Chopra Due to Ankle Injury

Indian javelin throw star Neeraj Chopra has been forced to withdraw from all major remaining tournaments of the 2026 season due to a ligament tear in his ankle. This injury will prevent him from participating in the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, the Diamond League Final in Brussels, and the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest.

Neeraj Chopra shared the news of his injury via social media on August 29, 2026. He revealed that a ligament in his ankle tore during training, leading to his decision to pull out of all remaining competitions this season. This withdrawal is being viewed as a significant setback for Indian athletics.

Lausanne Diamond League and Injury Timeline

The injury occurred shortly after Neeraj Chopra achieved a season-best throw of 88.05 meters at the Lausanne Diamond League 2026. The event took place on August 20-21, 2026, where Chopra secured a commendable second place. However, the subsequent injury during a training session has cast a shadow over the remainder of his season.

Withdrawal from Major Tournaments

Due to his ankle injury, Neeraj Chopra will now miss the Diamond League Final in Brussels scheduled for September 5, 2026. Furthermore, he will also be absent from the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, scheduled from September 11-13, 2026. The most significant blow is to the Asian Games 2026, which are set to be held in Japan. Chopra's absence from these crucial events will undoubtedly present a major challenge for the Indian contingent.

Focus on Health and Recovery

Given the severity of the injury, Neeraj Chopra and his medical team have decided to prioritize rest and complete recovery. “After hard work, I felt I was getting the rhythm I was looking for, throwing the season’s best throw in Lausanne. Unfortunately, soon after, during training, I suffered an ankle ligament injury. After discussions with the doctor and my team, we have decided that I will not be competing further this season,” Chopra stated.

His complete focus will now be on recovering from the injury and regaining full fitness for upcoming competitions.