Neeraj Chopra Set to Defend Title at Asian Games 2023
Neeraj Chopra's Upcoming Competitions
Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is gearing up to defend his title at the Asian Games in Japan, scheduled for September and October, as confirmed by Adille Sumariwalla, chairman of the Athletics Federation of India’s selection committee.
After recovering from a lower back injury sustained prior to the Tokyo World Championships in September 2025, Chopra made his season debut at the Doha Diamond League, where he secured fourth place with a throw of 85.69 meters.
The 28-year-old, who is a two-time Olympic medalist, has confirmed his participation in the Commonwealth Games but has not definitively stated his plans for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, taking place from September 19 to October 4.
Sumariwalla stated, 'Yes, he will compete in both the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. He has already qualified and is on the mend. Achieving 86 meters in his first event is impressive.'
Chopra previously clinched gold with a throw of 88 meters at the 2022 Asian Games in China, and with his recent performance, there are high hopes for his success in both upcoming events.
The AFI's selection committee is set to announce the Indian team for the Asian Games on Sunday, coinciding with the conclusion of the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships.
In the last Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China, Chopra won gold with a throw of 88.88 meters.
At the Aichi-Nagoya event, he is likely to face competition from Sri Lankan rising star Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, who has surpassed the 90-meter mark this year and has won two Diamond League titles, including the one in Doha where Chopra finished fourth.
Additionally, Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem may also compete, adding to the competitiveness of the men’s javelin throw at the Asian Games.
Nadeem, who is the reigning champion of both the Asian and Commonwealth Games, withdrew from the Doha Diamond League on June 19 after his name was initially announced.
The AFI has left it to Chopra to decide if he wants to participate in any events before the Commonwealth Games, which will take place in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2.
Chopra was previously included in the 32-member Indian team for the Commonwealth Games.
Sumariwalla mentioned, 'We have left it up to him regarding competitions before the CWG. His medical team and coach will collaborate to determine the best events for him to compete in.'
He emphasized the importance of qualifying, which Chopra has achieved, and now the focus is on ensuring he peaks for both the Commonwealth and Asian Games.
India's Bid for Future Championships
India is vying to host the World Athletics Senior Championships in either 2029 or 2031, with the host city announcement expected in September. The country has also submitted a bid to host the 2028 World U20 Championships in Ahmedabad.
Sumariwalla noted, 'We made bids for both championships in Ahmedabad. A team from World Athletics visited to assess the infrastructure, transport, accommodations, and other logistics.'
He acknowledged the stiff competition from cities like London, Munich, and Kenya, which have hosted major events in the past.
Sumariwalla expressed optimism about India's chances, stating, 'We presented our best case, and we await the decision after the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest from September 11-13.'
He also conveyed hope that Indian athletes would perform better in the upcoming Asian Games compared to previous editions.
'From what we observe, things are progressing positively, and we anticipate improved results compared to last time. The government has indicated that selections will include those finishing in sixth and eighth places, but we are considering athletes who placed third or fourth in most events. This reflects the growing strength of our athletes and the effectiveness of AFI's strategies.'
In the 2022 Asian Games, India secured 29 medals in athletics, including six golds, and achieved eight medals, with one gold, at the Commonwealth Games.