Neeraj Chopra Reveals He Competed in Diamond League Final with Fractured Hand
India’s renowned javelin thrower and double Olympic medallist, Neeraj Chopra, has shared a surprising revelation: he competed in the Diamond League season finale in Brussels with a fractured hand. Despite his injury, Chopra finished as the runner-up for the second consecutive year, narrowly missing the title by just one centimeter.
A Painful Challenge
Chopra disclosed on social media that he sustained the injury during a practice session the previous Monday. “X-rays revealed a fracture in the fourth metacarpal of my left hand,” the 26-year-old athlete explained. Metacarpals are the bones in the hand that connect the fingers to the wrist. The injury presented a significant challenge, but with the support of his team, Chopra managed to participate in the Brussels event.
Close Call in Brussels
In the competition, Chopra threw 87.86 meters, falling just short of the 87.87 meters needed to secure the gold medal. The victory went to Grenadian javelin star Anderson Peters, who clinched the title with his first attempt. For more details on this close finish, see our coverage of the Diamond League final 2024. Chopra had previously won the Diamond League crown in 2022, making this narrow defeat particularly poignant.
Struggles with Fitness
This season has been marred by fitness issues for Chopra, including a persistent groin injury that has affected his performance throughout the year. The athlete is set to consult with a doctor to address this issue and is focused on overcoming the physical challenges that have hindered his progress toward reaching the elusive 90-meter mark.
Reflections and Future Goals
Chopra recently earned a silver medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, following his historic gold medal at the Tokyo Games. Reflecting on his season, he expressed a mixture of disappointment and optimism. “Although I couldn’t meet my own expectations this year, I’ve learned a lot and am determined to come back fully fit,” Chopra said.
He concluded his message with gratitude for his supporters: “2024 has made me a better athlete and person. Thank you for your encouragement. I look forward to returning stronger in 2025.”
Chopra’s resilience and determination continue to inspire, as he prepares for the upcoming season with renewed focus and commitment.
