“Hello, everyone. Just to clarify: the #ParisDL wasn’t part of my competition calendar this season, so I haven’t ‘withdrawn’ from it.I’m focusing on getting ready for the Olympic Games. Thanks for your understanding and support, and wishing all the athletes competing all the best! #RoadToOlympics,” Chopra wrote on his ‘X’ handle.
Chopra, aged 26, has been dealing with an adductor issue for some months, which has influenced his competition schedule. Despite these challenges, he continues to prioritize his health and performance, with an eye towards achieving optimal conditions for the Olympic Games.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) had previously granted Chopra an exemption from participating in the National Inter-State Championships, a compulsory event for Indian athletes. This decision was made to accommodate Chopra’s preparation schedule, considering the proximity of the domestic event to the Diamond League scheduled for July 7.
AFI President Adille Sumariwalla highlighted the importance of the Paris Diamond League as a preparatory event for the Olympics, which led to the special permission granted exclusively to Chopra.
“We have made it very clear that every athlete will compete in India at the Inter-State Championships. But Paris Diamond League is clashing with the Inter-State Championships and we feel that Paris Diamond League will be very important for him (Neeraj) before the Olympic Games therefore he is the only guy who has been given special permission to participate in the Federation Cup,” Sumariwalla stated.
He had initially planned to participate in the National Inter-State Championships in Panchkula, Haryana, but opted for the Federation Cup instead, due to its scheduling before the Paris Diamond League and closer to the Olympic Games. Chopra’s participation in future events will continue to be determined by his health and the strategic importance of each competition in his preparation for the Olympics.
In the recent past, Chopra achieved a significant milestone by winning gold at the Paavo Nurmi Games, marking a historic achievement as the first Indian to win a track and field medal at the Tokyo Olympics.