Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has opted to withdraw from the upcoming Ostrava Golden Spike 2024 athletics meet in Czechia, scheduled for May 28, citing concerns over potential injury risk. The organisers of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold label event confirmed Neeraj Chopra’s decision on Saturday.
As the reigning Olympic and world champion, Neeraj Chopra experienced discomfort in his adductor muscle during training approximately two weeks ago, prompting his decision to abstain from competitive participation as a preventive measure.
In a statement addressing his withdrawal, Neeraj Chopra clarified that while he is not currently injured, his past experiences with adductor issues have made him cautious about aggravating the condition. Emphasizing his commitment to mitigating risks during the Olympic year, Neeraj Chopra expressed his intention to return to competition once he feels fully recovered.
Although he will not be competing, Neeraj Chopra will attend the Ostrava Golden Spike as a guest for the 63rd edition of the annual athletics event.
To fill Neeraj Chopra’s absence, the organisers have enlisted Germany’s Julian Weber to compete in the men’s javelin throw event. Notable participants in the field include home favourite Jakub Vadlejch, the Tokyo 2020 silver medallist, as well as former world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada.
This marks the second consecutive year that Neeraj Chopra has withdrawn from the Ostrava Golden Spike, having also missed the event last year due to a muscle injury.
In his pursuit to defend his Olympic title at Paris 2024, Neeraj Chopra commenced his season at the Doha Diamond League on May 11, where he secured a second-place finish with a throw of 88.36m. He subsequently participated in the Federation Cup athletics meet in Bhubaneswar earlier this month, clinching the gold medal with a throw of 82.27m.
Looking ahead, Neeraj Chopra is slated to compete in the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland on June 18, as he continues his preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games.
