New Delhi: Reigning Olympic and world champion javeliner Neeraj Chopra has decided to skip the Paris Diamond League that begins on Sunday, preferring to rest an adductor niggle that has limited his competitive apperances before the Paris Olympics.
Before his historic gold at Tokyo Games, the first by an Indian in track and field events, Chopra had participated in five competitions but this time this thigh injury has restricted his apperances to only three, keeping him out of the Ostrava Golden Spike in May.
“I could have competed in more events for sure and that was the plan, but I have realised that my health is paramount, that comes first. Even if I feel the slightest discomfort or like I am pushing myself too much in training, I’ve learnt to pause for a bit,” he told ESPN.
The 26-year-old hasn’t exerted himself to the limit in any of the events he has participated in this season, managing 88.36m at the Doha Diamond League, 82.27m at the Federation Cup in Bhubaneswar and 85.97m at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku.
He is now working on strengthening his blocking leg to avoid pick up injuries and disclosed that he will consult multiple specialist doctors to find a solution.
“I need to strengthen my blocking leg when I throw because that’s when my groin gets pulled. We’re working on that to see how we can reduce the impact on the groin and control the pressure on it.”
Chopra also divulged that he is now more matured and careful while committing to events, unlike before his gols at Tokyo 2020.
“Back then, if I had an entry in a competition, I would definitely go and compete no matter what happened. But now with more experience, I am better placed to make correct decisions,” he added.
“I was happy with my performance in Turku, but I felt there was more work to do. I was slow on the runway compared to my normal speed.
“I want that speed back and for that, I need proper confidence that I am fully fit and that my groin is fit. I want to feel confident when I run on the runway.”
An adductor muscle injury has restricted Neeraj Chopra’s competitive apperances before Paris Olympics. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
