Neeraj Chopra to resume training and rehabilitation in next couple of weeks

Neeraj Chopra is closing in on a return to training after a frustrating few months on the sidelines. The two-time Olympic medallist said his ankle injury has improved significantly and he hopes to begin training and rehabilitation in the next couple of weeks.My plan is to start training in next couple of weeks: Neeraj Chopra (PTI Photo)New Delhi,Oct 30, 2026 16:44 ISTTwo-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra is hoping to get back to training in the next couple of weeks after making significant progress in his recovery from an ankle injury. The injury forced him to miss the Asian Games in Japan and brought his 2026 season to an early end.Chopra picked up the injury during a training session in August. He was subsequently ruled out of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and the Diamond League finale, but his latest update suggests that he is now moving closer to a return.The 28-year-old said his condition has improved considerably after consulting renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, who has given him the go-ahead to resume training and begin rehabilitation."My injury is much better now. I faced some issues initially in the first month and a half, but it has improved significantly," Chopra told Sports Authority of India (SAI) Media. "I consulted Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala and he has advised that I can now resume training and begin proper rehabilitation. My plan is to start both in the next couple of weeks."Chopra also explained that he followed his medical team's advice and stayed away from training to give himself enough time to recover. "For my injury, the doctors had advised rest, and that is exactly what I followed. With regard to competitions, TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) and SAI (Sports Authority of India) have been supporting me for years."I have been part of the TOPS Core Group for many years now, and whenever I need any support, they are there," he said.His last appearance in competition this year came at the Lausanne Diamond League on August 21, where he finished second. Before that, he had won silver at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July.NEERAJ WELCOMES KHELO INDIA SPORTS SCHEMEChopra also welcomed the Union Cabinet's approval of the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme on October 28, describing it as an important step for Indian sport.The scheme has a budgetary outlay of more than Rs 1,800 crore and aims to establish India as a major sports goods manufacturing hub over the next decade.The javelin star pointed out that athletes often struggle to source certain equipment in India and have to depend on imports. He believes domestic manufacturing could make a significant difference."The Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme, which was approved by the Union Cabinet, is an amazing step. Athletes face a lot of issues in procuring certain equipment in India or have to import sporting equipment from abroad."With schemes like these, as equipment will be manufactured in India, it will become much easier for them to source it," he said.Chopra also sent his best wishes to the 17-member Indian contingent set to compete at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, beginning on Saturday.Drawing from his own experience of competing at the highest level, he urged the young athletes to enjoy the occasion and not let the pressure get the better of them."I wish all the best to the athletes heading to the Youth Olympics. Enjoy the experience and don't take too much pressure or get nervous. Whatever pressure you face at the Youth Olympics is good for you as it teaches you a lot."Use this opportunity to observe others and channel the pressure to your advantage, and I am sure you will do your best."- Ends