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SportsNeeraj Chopra: Back at Commonwealth Games after eight years, says fitness and technique improved
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Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra expressed delight at returning to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, eight years after his debut at the 2018 Gold Coast edition where he won gold. The 28-year-old Indian athlete missed the 2022 Birmingham Games due to injury and made his comeback at the Doha Diamond League in June 2024, finishing fourth. Chopra said he has worked on his fitness and technique and feels much better now. He acknowledged tough weather conditions but emphasized mental strength. The men's javelin throw competition on July 30-31 features strong South Asian rivals including Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, and fellow Indians Rohit Yadav and Yashvir Singh. Chopra welcomed the increased competition, saying it pushes everyone to improve.
Source report
Location: Glasgow By: K. Keerthivasan
Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra expressed his joy at returning to the Commonwealth Games, an event that holds special significance in his career.
Speaking to reporters in Glasgow on Sunday, the 28-year-old recalled his debut at the 2018 Gold Coast edition, where he won gold as a 20-year-old.
"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."
Since that debut, Chopra has become an Olympic gold medallist, World champion, and two-time Asian Games champion, establishing himself as one of the biggest names in world athletics. He missed the 2022 Birmingham edition due to injury.
Comeback and Preparation
After an eight-month lay-off, Chopra made his return at the Doha Diamond League in June, finishing fourth with a best throw of 85.69m.
"I have worked on my weaknesses and on my fitness. I feel much better now," he said.
Weather and Conditions
Acknowledging the challenging weather conditions in Glasgow, Chopra remained pragmatic:
"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."
Growing Competition in South Asia
The men's javelin field features strong competitors from South Asia, including:
- Rohit Yadav (India)
- Yashvir Singh (India)
- Arshad Nadeem (Pakistan)
- Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage (Sri Lanka)
Chopra welcomed the heightened competition:
"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."
The men's javelin throw event is scheduled for July 30 and 31, and will offer a key indicator of Chopra's current form and the trajectory of his career.
Published - July 26, 2026 06:24 pm IST
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Neeraj Chopra happy to be back at Commonwealth Games after injury layoff