Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra on Wednesday clarified that Sunday’s Paris Diamond League was never a part of his competition calendar this year. The statement came after a media report stated that Chopra pulled out of the event due to the adductor niggle that has been troubling him for the past couple of months. The 26-year-old took to ‘X’ to say that there was no question of a withdrawal when he had not even entered his name.
“Hello, everyone. Just to clarify: the #ParisDL wasn’t part of my competition calendar this season, so I haven’t ‘withdrawn’ from it. I’m focusing on getting ready for the Olympic Games.
“Thanks for your understanding and support, and wishing all the athletes competing all the best! #RoadToOlympics,” Chopra posted.
He was exempted from last week’s National Inter-State Championships, which was a mandatory event for all Indian athletes, by the Athletics Federation Of India.
The AFI said the relaxation was given to him due to the short turnaround time between the domestic event and the Diamond League on July 7.
“We have made it very clear that every athlete will compete in India at the Inter-State Championships,” AFI president Adille Sumariwalla had said, “But Paris Diamond League is clashing with the Inter-State Championships and we feel that Paris Diamond League will be very important for him (Neeraj) before the Olympic Games therefore he is the only guy who has been given special permission to participate in the Federation Cup,” he added.
However, Chopra had indicated last month that his schedule will be decided according to the state of his body.
“We had a discussion that I would play in the National Inter-State Championships (June 27-30) and it’s going to be held in Panchkula in Haryana but it was very near to the Paris Olympics,” Chopra had said.
“Since I was playing in Doha which is near to India. Moreover, there is Paris Diamond League (on July 7) between National Inter-State and Olympics. So, we decided to compete here (Federation Cup),” Chopra had said.
“Further competition schedule will be decided later according to situation and my body. Otherwise, I will go to Paris from there (after competing in Turku).” Chopra, who scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win a track and field medal at the Tokyo Olympics, had won the gold at the at the Paavo Nurmi Games last month.
Following this, he had opened up about his adductor niggle which has affected his season, saying he will consult “different doctors” after the Paris Olympics.
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