India's Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra will not be defending his Commonwealth Games gold as the javelin star has pulled out of the big event due to injury concerns.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) secretary-general Rajiv Mehta released a statement confirming the news.
"Team India javelin thrower Mr. Neeraj Chopra had called me earlier today from the US to convey his inability to take part in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games owing to fitness concerns. Following his participation in the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Mr. Chopra had an MRI scan done on Monday and, based on it, he has been advised a month’s rest by his medical team", he said.
According to sources close to the athlete, it's a minor groin strain but as a precautionary measure he has been asked to take rest.
Chopra had become only the second Indian athlete to win a medal at World Championship in Eugene on Saturday evening after Anju Bobby George, who had won a bronze in long jump in 2003 in Paris.
Neeraj at hinted at a concern regarding his thigh after winning the silver at the World Championships on Sunday, with a throw of 88.13m.
"After that (the fourth throw), I felt something on my thigh and could not do my best in next two. I had strapping (on thigh). I will know the status tomorrow morning because my body is still warm after the event. I hope there should not be any issue for the upcoming events, Commonwealth Games," he had said.
Neeraj was a strong medal favourite for India, having won the javelin gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast as well.
Athletics Federation of India (AFI) President Adille Sumariwalla said they are in touch with Chopra to assist his recovery.
"Neeraj has said that since he is not 100 per cent fit to compete at the Commonwealth Games, he would not be the flag bearer of the Indian contingent at the athletes' parade in the opening ceremony," Sumariwalla said.
"Neeraj appeared to be struggling on Sunday during the finals at the World Championships. We are in constant touch with him to assist his recovery." India team's chef de mission Rajesh Bhandari told PTI, "We have a meeting later in the day to decide the new flag-bearer."
(With inputs from PTI)
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