Neeraj Chopra clarifies he’s not withdrawn from Paris Diamond League event: ‘Wasn’t part of my calendar this year’

Even if Neeraj Chopra will not be in action, the Paris Diamond League meet will have Indian participation in the men's javelin throw event, thanks to Kishore Jena. The Paris event will be Arshad Nadeem's first event of the year.

Neeraj Chopra in action in the javelin throw event

Neeraj Chopra, of India, makes an attempt in the men's javelin throw during the Diamond League athletics meet at the Qatar Sports Club stadium in Doha, Friday, May 10, 2024. AP/PTI

Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic and world champion, has clarified that he has not withdrawn from the Paris Diamond League meet as reported by certain sections of the media.

“Just to clarify: The Paris Diamond League wasn’t part of my competition calendar this season, so I haven’t ‘withdrawn’ from it. I’m focusing on getting ready for the Olympic Games,” Neeraj Chopra tweeted on Wednesday.

“Thanks for your understanding and support, and wishing all the athletes competing all the best!” Neeraj Chopra went on to add.

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Even if Neeraj will not be in action, the Paris Diamond League meet will have Indian participation in the men’s javelin throw event, thanks to Kishore Jena. The Paris event will be Arshad Nadeem’s first event of the year.

Neeraj Chopra has already competed in the Doha Diamond League, the Federation Cup in India and the Paavo Nurmi Games so far this season.

All eyes will be on Neeraj this season as he looks to defend his Olympic gold, which he won at the pandemic-affected Tokyo Olympics in 2021. In India’s Olympic history, no individual athlete has ever won more than one gold medal, with rifle shooter Abhinav Bindra being the only other athlete to win a gold besides Neeraj Chopra.

Athletes like shuttler PV Sindhu (one silver and a bronze) and wrestler Sushil Kumar (one silver and a bronze) have won two medals at two different Olympic editions, but none of those medals have been gold.

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