CWG 2026 | I am happy that I am back on the field and feeling good, says Neeraj

With shoulder-length hair and nothing of the global fame he enjoys today, Neeraj Chopra made his Commonwealth Games debut as a 20-year-old at the 2018 Gold Coast edition.

Much has changed since then. Neeraj, who had won a gold then, has since gone on to become an Olympic gold medallist, World champion and two-time Asian Games champion, establishing himself as one of the biggest names in world athletics.

Now back at the Commonwealth Games after missing the 2022 Birmingham edition because of injury, the 28-year-old said he was delighted to return to an event that holds special memories.

“I have very good memories of the Commonwealth Games. It was my first senior Games competition. I started my career at the Commonwealth Games when I won a gold. I am happy that I am back on the field and feeling good,” Neeraj told reporters here on Sunday.

Returning from an eight-month lay-off, Neeraj made his comeback at the Doha Diamond League in June, where he finished fourth with a best throw of 85.69m.

Since competing in Doha, Neeraj said he has worked on his fitness and technique. “I have worked on my weaknesses and on my fitness. I feel much better now,” he said.

Neeraj admitted that the weather conditions would be challenging but insisted they were the same for everyone and that athletes simply had to adjust.

“Yes, I was training the other day. The conditions are tough, but they are the same for everyone. No matter how bad the conditions are, we have to stay mentally strong. I will have to give my 100 per cent,” he said.

Javelin throw has become intensely competitive in South Asia, with fellow Indians Rohit Yadav and Yashvir Singh, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem and Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage in the fray. Neeraj said it’s a welcome rivalry.

“When the competition is tough, we are able to push each other more. That’s a good thing, especially as there is a lot of competition in South Asia,” he said.

Neeraj appears ready for the challenge, and the men’s javelin throw on July 30 and 31 could well provide an indication of his current form and the direction his career is taking.