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Neeraj Chopra Asian Games 2026: Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra has opened up about his disappointment after missing the Asian Games 2026 due to an ankle ligament injury. The Indian javelin star was expected to be one of India’s major medal contenders, but an injury during training forced him to withdraw from the competition.
With the Asian Games 2026 now underway, Neeraj shared an emotional message reflecting on his previous Asian Games experiences, his injury and the difficulty of not being able to represent India this time.
Neeraj Chopra Misses Asian Games 2026 Due to Ankle Injury
Neeraj Chopra was forced to pull out of the Asian Games 2026 after suffering an ankle ligament injury during training. After carefully considering his condition, he decided that competing in the tournament would not be the right option.
The decision came as a major setback for the Indian javelin thrower, who had previously won consecutive Asian Games gold medals.
Neeraj won the javelin throw gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and followed it with another gold at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. His absence from the 2026 edition has therefore been a major talking point among Indian athletics fans.
Neeraj Chopra Opens Up on Pain of Not Representing India
Sharing his thoughts on LinkedIn, Neeraj spoke about what it means to represent India at a major international event.
He recalled his first Asian Games appearance in 2018, when he was just 20 years old and had the honour of carrying the Indian flag in Jakarta. He subsequently won the javelin throw gold medal, creating one of the most memorable moments of his early career.
Five years later, Neeraj returned to the Asian Games in Hangzhou and successfully defended his title.
However, this time, an injury has prevented him from taking the field.
Neeraj admitted that not being able to represent India at the Asian Games 2026 is difficult. He said competing for the country and carrying the expectations that come with it is an honour, making it particularly painful to miss the opportunity.
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From Jakarta to Hangzhou: Neeraj Chopra’s Asian Games Gold Journey
The Asian Games have been an important part of Neeraj Chopra’s international career.
At the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, he won gold in the men’s javelin throw. His performance helped establish him as one of India’s leading athletics stars.
At the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, Neeraj once again finished on top of the podium and successfully defended his title.
His record at the continental event made him one of the key names to watch ahead of Asian Games 2026.
‘I’m Not Okay’: Neeraj Chopra Shares Emotional Message for Fans
Neeraj also opened up about the emotional side of dealing with an injury.
He explained that injuries are an unavoidable part of sport and that athletes cannot always control when they happen. However, they can decide how they respond to difficult situations.
The Indian star said the people around him have played an important role during this period.
Neeraj Chopra Reveals How Friends Are Helping Him Through Injury
The Olympic medallist highlighted the importance of having supportive friends during difficult moments.
Neeraj explained that professional athletes spend a lot of time away from home because of training, travel and competitions. For that reason, having people around who can keep them positive and grounded can make a major difference.
He revealed that some of his friends know he is currently not doing well, but they do not constantly ask about his injury or his return date.
Instead, they talk about normal things, make jokes and laugh together. According to Neeraj, these conversations help him remember that there is much more to life than the next competition.
Neeraj Chopra to Support India at Asian Games 2026 From the Sidelines
Although Neeraj will not compete at the Asian Games 2026, he said he will continue to support the Indian contingent.
He admitted that he will miss being part of the competition but remains grateful for the memories he created at the Asian Games in Jakarta and Hangzhou.
For now, Neeraj's focus will be on recovering from his ankle ligament injury and returning to competitive athletics at the right time.
What’s Next for Neeraj Chopra After Asian Games 2026 Withdrawal?
Neeraj Chopra's immediate priority is recovery from his ankle ligament injury. His decision to withdraw from the Asian Games was made after considering his condition and the demands of competing at the highest level.
While his absence will be felt at the Asian Games 2026, fans will now be waiting for an update on his recovery and eventual return to competition.
Also Read: Asian Games 2026 Live Streaming India: How to Watch
