Neeraj Chopra set for season opener at Doha Diamond League

India's star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is set to make his return to competitive athletics at the Doha Diamond League on June 19, marking the start of his 2026 season after an extended injury layoff.

The entry list released for the Diamond League meet in Doha confirms Chopra's participation in a world-class 9-man javelin throw field.

The two-time Olympic medallist has not competed since the 2025 World Athletics Championships and has spent the past several months recovering from a back injury.

His return comes just a day after the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) provided a positive update on his fitness. AFI vice-president Adille Sumariwalla said Chopra has resumed training and is expected to return to competition within days.

"Neeraj is now training and getting ready to compete probably in the next 10 days or so. He is recovering well and recovering fast," Sumariwalla said during a press conference on Sunday.

The AFI also named Chopra in India's 32-member athletics contingent for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled to be held in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2.

However, his place in the final squad remains subject to achieving the federation's qualification standard of 82.61 metres.

Strong field awaits in Doha

The Doha Diamond League will provide Chopra with an immediate test against several leading international throwers.

The entry list includes world-class competitors such as Anderson Peters of Grenada, Rumesh Pathirage of Sri Lanka, Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic, Curtis Thompson of the United States and Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago.

Chopra owns a personal best of 90.23m and will be aiming to regain competitive rhythm ahead of a packed season that includes the Commonwealth Games and other major international events.