Asian Games Shock!! Neeraj Chopra to Miss the Games Due to Ankle Injury

India’s hopes of seeing Neeraj Chopra defend his Asian Games javelin title have suffered a major setback, with the two-time Olympic medallist ruled out after sustaining an ankle ligament tear during training. The injury has forced Chopra to end his 2026 season prematurely, dealing a significant blow to India’s athletics medal prospects.

The 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, are scheduled to begin on September 19 and continue until October 4. Chopra was expected to spearhead India’s javelin challenge and was among the country’s strongest contenders for a gold medal.

The setback comes just as Chopra appeared to be regaining momentum. The Indian star recently produced a season-best throw of 88.05m at the Lausanne Diamond League, briefly taking the lead before finishing second. Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage narrowly edged him out with a throw of 88.14m, underlining how close Chopra was to returning to the top of the podium.

Earlier in the season, Chopra opened his Diamond League campaign with 85.69m for fourth place in Doha and later claimed silver with 85.83m at the Commonwealth Games. His performances suggested that he was steadily rebuilding momentum after an injury layoff, making the latest setback particularly disappointing.

The ankle injury will also rule Chopra out of the Diamond League Final in Brussels, despite qualifying in sixth place with 12 points after competing in only two Diamond League meetings. He was also expected to feature at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships, but his focus will now shift entirely towards recovery.

Chopra’s absence leaves a major gap in India’s javelin contingent, although the country continues to have depth in the event. Rohit Yadav could emerge as one of India’s key medal hopes, while Kishore Jena brings valuable experience after winning silver at the previous Asian Games and recording a personal best of 87.54m. Yash Vir Singh and Sachin Yadav also add strength to India’s javelin squad.

The exact grade of Chopra’s ligament tear and whether surgery will be required have not yet been publicly disclosed. As a result, there is no confirmed timeline for his return to competition.

For Chopra, however, ending the season may prove to be the right long-term decision. Rather than rushing back into competition, he can now focus on rehabilitation, ankle stability, strength and rebuilding his throwing mechanics. A carefully managed recovery could be crucial in reducing the risk of another setback.

While missing the Asian Games is undoubtedly a major disappointment, the bigger picture remains ahead. The 2027 World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will be the next major targets for the Indian javelin star.