'I Didn't Know If I'd Have a Season': Neeraj Chopra's Heartbreaking Injury Revelation

India's star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has revealed the emotional and physical challenges he faced during a difficult 10-month injury battle, saying the period tested him in ways he never imagined before he finally returned to the international stage with a Commonwealth Games silver medal.

The two-time Olympic medallist opened up in an emotional social media post after clinching silver at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, where he produced a season-best throw of 85.83 metres despite entering the competition after months of rehabilitation and uncertainty.

Reflecting on his journey, Chopra said he spent months recovering from an adductor muscle injury, along with several other niggles, forcing him to delay the start of his season. The injuries left him unsure whether he would even compete this year.

"The past 10 months tested me in ways I never expected," Chopra wrote, adding that every day of training came with uncertainty as he worked to rebuild his body, regain rhythm and stay patient during recovery.

The 28-year-old admitted that returning to elite competition itself felt like a victory after the setbacks. At the Commonwealth Games, he finished behind Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, who claimed gold with a throw of 89.75 metres in challenging windy conditions.

Chopra also credited the people who stood by him throughout the recovery process. He expressed gratitude to his physiotherapist Ishaan Marwaha, coach Jai Chaudhary, who has guided him since his early days in the sport, and his family for their unwavering support.

The Olympic champion had won Commonwealth Games gold in 2018 but missed the 2022 edition due to injury. A lower back injury before last year's World Championships further disrupted his preparations, limiting him to just one competition before Glasgow.

With confidence gradually returning, Chopra said his focus now is on taking the season one step at a time, hoping to build momentum after overcoming one of the toughest phases of his illustrious career.