Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 season after suffering an ankle ligament tear during training.
The injury will force the two-time Olympic medallist to miss several major international competitions, including next month’s Asian Games in Japan.
Chopra confirmed the development on Saturday, saying he made the decision after consulting his doctor and support team.
He revealed that he suffered the ligament injury shortly after returning to training and that his medical team advised him to end his 2026 campaign and focus on recovery.
Asian Games and Diamond League Final Missed
Chopra’s injury means he will not compete at the 2026 Asian Games, where he had been expected to be one of India’s leading medal contenders.
He will also miss the Diamond League Finals in Brussels on September 5.
The injury further rules him out of the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest, scheduled for September 11 to 13.
The setback comes after Chopra had finally begun showing signs of returning to his best form following an earlier injury.
Chopra Was Finding His Rhythm
Chopra’s 2026 season had already been affected by a lower-back injury. The problem delayed his return to competitive action until June.
After returning, however, the javelin star gradually improved his performances.
He won a silver medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games with a throw of 85.83 metres.
Chopra then produced his season-best performance at the Lausanne Diamond League on August 21, throwing 88.05 metres.
The performance placed him second in Lausanne and strengthened his position in the Diamond League standings.
He collected 12 Diamond League points during the season, including a fourth-place finish in Doha and second place in Lausanne.
Those results placed Chopra sixth overall, securing his qualification for the Diamond League Final.
Olympic Champion Faces Another Rehabilitation Period
The latest injury represents another major setback for Chopra, who has already dealt with fitness problems during the season.
The Indian star said the timing of the injury was particularly disappointing because he felt he was close to regaining his competitive rhythm.
However, Chopra said his priority is now to recover properly rather than risk further damage by returning too quickly.
His decision brings his 2026 season to an early conclusion and begins another period of rehabilitation.
Chopra will now focus on recovering from the ankle injury and returning to competition in full fitness after missing the Asian Games, Diamond League Final and World Athletics Ultimate Championships.
