Neeraj Chopra set for return after being sidelined by injury for almost a year

Javelin star Neeraj Chopra is set for a return after spending nearly a year on the sidelines. Neeraj will make his return in the Doha Diamond League, set to be hosted on June 19.

Neeraj Chopra returns to action after 275 days. (PTI Photo)

New Delhi, UPDATED: Jun 15, 2026 16:30 IST

2-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra is set to make a return to the javelin scene after spending almost a year away from professional competition. Neeraj, who has been recovering from a back injury, is set to make his return at the Doha Diamond League 2026, which will be held on June 19.

Neeraj last competed at the World Championships 2025 in Japan, where he failed to finish on the podium. Neeraj was knocked out early in the finals after finishing with a throw of 84.93m, which was the eighth-best effort in the 12-man field. Neeraj later revealed that he was dealing with a back injury, sustained just before the day of the final.

Between September 2025 and June 2026, Neeraj parted ways with his coach, legendary Jan Zelezny, and took control of his own training. Neeraj also ended his association with JSW Sports, who had managed him as a client since the very beginning of his javelin journey.

Neeraj returns to professional competition after he was provisionally named in India's Commonwealth Games squad. Athletics Federation of India spokesperson Adille Sumariwala said that Neeraj will be confirmed in India's CWG squad only if he is able to participate in a couple of competitions and breach the qualification mark ahead of the event.

NEERAJ RETURNS IN THE 90M ARENA

The Doha Diamond League holds a special place in the hearts of javelin throwers as it has a history of producing some remarkable throws. Last year, Neeraj breached the 90m mark for the first and only time in his career.

Apart from Neeraj, World No. 2 Anderson Peters and World No. 3 Rumesh Pathirage are set to be the big attractions in the men's javelin event. World leader Julian Weber and reigning Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem will not be taking part in the event.

The competition is scheduled for June 19, with men's javelin event starting at 11:14 pm.

DOHA DIAMOND LEAGUE START LIST

1. Neeraj Chopra (India)

2. Artur Felfner (Ukraine)

3. Ahmed Sameh Mohamed Hussein (Egypt)

4. Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage (Sri Lanka)

5. Anderson Peters (Grenada)

6. Curtis Thompson (USA)

7. Jakub Vadlejch (Czech Republic)

8. Keshorn Walcott (Trinidad and Tobago)

9. Julius Yego (Kenya)

- Ends

Published By:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published On:

Jun 15, 2026 16:30 IST