Two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra, who narrowly missed out on winning a second gold medal at the Games, has confirmed that he will return to competition later this month at the Lausanne Diamond League, which begins August 22.
Currently, Chopra is training in Magglingen, Switzerland, under the guidance of his coach Klaus Bartonietz and physio Ishaan Marwaha.
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Neeraj Chopra's journey in 2024 Paris Olympics
Neeraj Chopra, the only Indian javelin thrower to win an Olympic gold, began his campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a season-best throw of 89.34m. He improved this to 89.45m in his final attempt, but it was not enough to surpass Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, who put Pakistan back on the map at the Olympics with a record throw of 92.97m on his second attempt, making history for Pakistan.
With this, Nadeem clinched the gold medal as he shattered the Games record. No one was able to cross 90m on the night.
"Nadeem is a very hardworking player and (I have) competed against him always full of positivity. That day too I was quite sure that we would have a good fight," said Chopra during interaction with media.
"After he made an Olympic record on his second attempt, it created pressure on everyone; but since I had competed with him previously, I was quite sure that I will break his record after my second attempt, which was close to 90m (89.54m), but somehow my body didn't allow."
"It is never easy to perform in the Olympics, especially when you are defending your medal...From there (second throw), I knew that I can breach the Olympic record but somehow I was not able to do as my body didn't allow. I am happy that I won a silver medal for the country; but I will work on the things that are needed to recover well," added Chopra.
When asked which event Chopra is targeting next, he said, "I have finally decided to participate in the Lausanne Diamond League, which begins August 22."