World · India Bureau
Neeraj Chopra ruled out of Asian Games 2026 due to ankle injury
Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra has been forced to withdraw from the Asian Games 2026 following a ligament injury to his ankle. The javelin thrower expressed disappointment at missing the opportunity to represent India at the continental competition.
LSN India ·
Neeraj Chopra, India's star javelin thrower and two-time Olympic medalist, will miss the Asian Games 2026 after sustaining a ligament injury to his ankle. The injury has forced the 26-year-old to sit out the tournament, which was shaping up to be a major opportunity for Chopra to add to his accolades at the continental level.
Chopra, who won gold at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and silver at the Paris Olympics in 2024, has been a central figure in India's track and field aspirations. His absence from the Asian Games represents a significant setback for the Indian contingent heading into the competition.
In the wake of his withdrawal, Chopra acknowledged the emotional toll of missing the chance to compete for his country. The injury comes at a critical juncture in his competitive calendar as he looks to maintain momentum following his recent Olympic performance.
The exact timeline for Chopra's recovery remains unclear, though ligament injuries typically require several weeks of rehabilitation. His withdrawal underscores the challenges elite athletes face in managing injuries while maintaining peak performance levels across multiple competitive seasons.