NEW DELHI: Neeraj Chopra, the star Indian javelin thrower, is set to compete in the Lausanne Diamond League meeting on Thursday, two weeks after securing a historic silver medal at the Paris Olympics.
Despite nursing a long-standing groin injury, the 26-year-old double Olympic medallist aims to reclaim the Diamond League trophy at the season-ending finale next month. Chopra confirmed his participation in the Lausanne event and will make a decision regarding potential surgery after the season concludes.
As the 2022 Diamond League champion, Chopra finished second behind Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic in last year's winner-takes-all final in Eugene, USA. To qualify for this season's finals in Brussels on September 14, he must secure a top-six position in the Diamond League meetings series standings.
Another opportunity for Chopra to earn points is the Zurich Diamond League meeting on September 5, which includes the men's javelin throw event.
Currently holding the fourth spot with seven points after placing second in the Doha Diamond League on May 10, Chopra will face a top-class field in Lausanne.
Five of the top-six finishers from the Paris Olympics final will be competing, with only Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, the surprise gold medallist with an Olympic record throw of 92.97m, absent from the lineup.
Vadlejch, who finished fourth in Paris with a throw of 88.50m, will be aiming to maintain his form and defend his Diamond League title.
Meanwhile, two-time world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada, the bronze medallist in Paris, has been improving after a disappointing previous season and is capable of producing big throws, having already surpassed the 90m mark in his career.
Chopra, known for his consistency in recent seasons, is expected to start as the favorite in Lausanne. He has been managing his groin injury since winning gold at the Budapest World Championships last year.
"The final treatment will be after the season ends. I will try to take care of it as much as possible and consult the doctors later," he said, emphasising his determination to finish the season on a high note despite the injury.
Where to watch Neeraj Chopra compete in the Lausanne Diamond League on TV?Sports18 will provide the television broadcast.
Where to live steam Neeraj Chopra compete in the Lausanne Diamond League?Those keen on witnessing his prowess can tune in to the live-stream on the JioCinema app and website.
When to watch Neeraj Chopra compete in the Lausanne Diamond League?Mark your calendars for August 23, as the event is set to commence at around 12:15 AM IST on Friday, promising an exhilarating display of athletic excellence that no sports aficionado in India should miss.
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