Neeraj Chopra All Set To Defend Asian Games Gold In Japan: Report

Last Updated:June 27, 2026, 10:23 IST

Neeraj Chopra all set for Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, AFI chief hails his Doha Diamond League return as fantastic amidst rising javelin competition.

Athletics Federation of India president Adille Sumariwalla has said that two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra will take part in both the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games, adding that his performance in the season-opening Doha Diamond League was ‘fantastic’.

Recovering from a lower back injury sustained ahead of the Tokyo World Championships in September 2025, Chopra made a delayed start to his season at the Doha Diamond League, finishing fourth with a best throw of 85.69m.

Chopra has already confirmed his participation in the Commonwealth Games, but hasn’t yet confirmed whether he will compete at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, scheduled from September 19 to October 4.

“Yes. He (Chopra) will participate in the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. He has qualified already and he is recovering. He has done 86m (85.69m) in his very first event, which is fantastic," Sumariwalla said while speaking to PTI.

“He won a gold with 88m (in 2022 Asian Games in China), so he is already close to 86m, then we see no reason why he will not do well in both the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games," Sumariwalla added.

The AFI selection committee is expected to announce the Indian team for the Asian Games on Sunday, June 28, the final day of the ongoing National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar.

Chopra had won gold in the last edition of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, in 2023, with a throw of 88.88m.

In Aichi-Nagoya, Chopra might face emerging Sri Lankan talent Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, who crossed the 90m mark earlier this year and has claimed two Diamond League wins, including in Doha, where Chopra finished fourth.

Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem could be in contention as well, adding further depth to a competitive men’s javelin field at the Asian Games. Nadeem is the reigning Asian and Commonwealth Games champion.

News sports other-sports Neeraj Chopra All Set To Defend Asian Games Gold In Japan: Report

Read More