Olympic javelin champion Neeraj Chopra revealed that he competed in the Diamond League Final despite sustaining a hand injury during training. The injury, a fractured fourth metacarpal in his left hand, was sustained on Monday, just days before the competition.
Despite the setback, Chopra was determined to participate in the event, which was the final competition of the season. He explained that he wanted to end his season on the track, even if he couldn’t meet his own expectations.
Chopra’s performance in Brussels was impressive, considering his injury. He threw 87.86m, finishing just one centimeter behind the winner, Anderson Peters of Grenada. It was the second consecutive year that Chopra finished as runner-up in the Diamond League Final.
Reflecting on his season, Chopra acknowledged the challenges he faced, including the groin injury that has affected him all season. He expressed his determination to return fully fit and ready to go in 2025.
Chopra’s season has been a rollercoaster of emotions. After winning a historic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, he added a silver medal to his tally at the Paris Olympics. However, he has also faced setbacks, including injuries and the inability to reach the elusive 90m mark.
Despite the challenges, Chopra remains optimistic about the future. He believes that the 2024 season has made him a better athlete and person. He thanked his supporters for their encouragement and expressed his excitement for the 2025 season.
