EXPLAINED: Why Neeraj Chopra won't compete in javelin throw final event at CWG 2022

Star Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra isn't part of the Commonwealth Games 2022. The gold medal winner of CWG 2018, Neeraj looked set to defend his title successfully. But he was ruled out of CWG 2022 due to fitness issues. Neeraj has won medals in every event since his return to the sport in June.

TN Sports Desk

Updated Aug 7, 2022, 18:17 IST

Will Neeraj Chopra compete at CWG 2022?

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Neeraj Chopra is not part of Commonwealth Games 2022
The star javelin thrower was a strong contender to retain his title
Neeraj was ruled out of CWG 2022 due to fitness issues

The Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022 is nearing its end and the quadrennial event will finish on Monday (August 8). The Indian contingent has done extremely well in the event so far and the country sits at the 5th spot with 47 medals in the kitty. With few more medal events left, India is confirmed to finish with more than 50 medals at CWG 2022.

On the penultimate day, the Indian javelin throwers are also in action and Annu Rani has already won a bronze medal. Later in the day, Rohit Yadav and DP Manu will aim for a podium finish. Neeraj Chopra won't be part of the javelin throw event. Here's the reason why the star javelin thrower is not competing at CWG 2022 -

The gold medal winner of the previous edition of CWG, Neeraj looked set to defend his title successfully but was ruled out due to fitness issues. Confirming the news to Times Now, Rajeev Mehta, IOA secretary general, said: "Neeraj Chopra will miss the Commonwealth Games as his fitness is not 100%. He has spoken to me on the same and has been advised 20 days rest."

Neeraj was also disappointed at not being able to participate in the event and shared a heartfelt post on social media. Neeraj was in red-hot form after his return to the sport in June.

The star javelin thrower won a silver medal at Paavo Nurmi Games in June and followed up with a gold medal a week later. At Diamond League, he won a silver medal. In the World Athletics Championships 2022, which was the last event before CWG 2022, Neeraj won a silver medal. It was after this event that he was ruled out of CWG 2022.

His absence from the Birmingham Games will surely have an impact on India's medal tally and there are high hopes from other javelin throwers in the event. The men's javelin throw event will kick off at 12:10 AM IST on August 8.

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