New Delhi: Indian javelin throw star Neeraj Chopra will make his competitive return at the Doha Diamond League on June 19 after recovering from a back injury that kept him out of action for the opening months of the 2026 season.
The announcement was made by his management firm, Vel Sports, through a social media post confirming that the two-time Olympic medallist will begin his season in Doha.
Chopra, 28, had been sidelined due to a back injury and has not competed so far this year. His inclusion in the Doha meet comes as a late addition, with his name not featuring in the initial list of participants released by organisers on June 12.
The Doha Diamond League holds special significance for Chopra. At the same venue in May last year, he crossed the 90-metre mark for the first time in his career, registering a throw of 90.23 metres. He finished second in that event behind Germany’s Julian Weber, who recorded 91.06 metres.
The competition was originally scheduled to open the Diamond League season on May 8 but was postponed because of the conflict in West Asia.
Chopra’s return also comes shortly after he was named in India’s athletics squad for the upcoming Commonwealth Games. His participation remains subject to meeting the Athletics Federation of India’s qualifying standard of 82.61 metres.
With major international events on the horizon, the Doha meet is expected to provide an important assessment of Chopra’s fitness and form following his recovery.
