Neeraj Chopra to miss 2022 Commonwealth Games due to injury

Neeraj Chopra is out of the 2022 Commonwealth Games due to the injury he picked up during the World Athletics Championships.

The development means that Chopra's much-anticipated clash with Grenada's World Champion Anderson Peters will not happen now. IOA Secretary General Rajiv Mehta said Chopra underwent an MRI scan on Monday in the USA and has been advised one-month rest.

"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 concern," Mehta said.

"Following his participation in the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Mr. Chopra had had an MRI scan done on Monday and, based on it, he has been advised a month's rest by his medical team," Mehta added. 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 picked up a groin injury during his historic silver medal win at the Worlds on Sunday and has been advised a month's rest.

On Sunday, Neeraj let out a roar and showed a thumbs-up to the cameras after his fourth throw - the 88.13m one which put him in the medal places after an early stutter - but soon realised he had done some damage to his body in the process.

"I did feel a bit on my thigh after my fourth effort. I wasn't able to put in that much effort and strapped my thigh. I will know by morning how it feels or if it's something to worry about," he said about his injury.

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 PTI inputs)