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Neeraj Chopra has declared his determination to make a promising return to competition in 2027. The Indian javelin star has his long-term sights firmly fixed on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The two-time Olympic gold medallist missed the recently concluded Asian Games, which was a huge blow for the country, the fans, and himself. Meanwhile, the Indian athlete has finally talked about his preparations, his comeback, the athletes from India and their performance, and more.
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Neeraj Chopra reflects on injury, 2027 comeback, India’s performance & LA 2028 Olympics after missing Asian Games
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai on Friday on the sidelines of the launch of the new Audi Q3, the 28-year-old athlete addressed his recent injury setback and reflected positively on India’s performance at the just-concluded 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Chopra, who claimed gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and silver at the Paris 2024 Games, was forced to withdraw from the Asian Games after sustaining an ankle ligament injury during a training session. The injury also brought his competitive season to an early end. Despite the disappointment, he struck an optimistic note about his recovery and plans. The athlete said:
“There’s still some time for the Olympics; it is going to be held in 2028. As you might know, I sustained an injury, but I am now in the process of making a comeback. My focus now is on staging a strong, solid comeback next year and delivering the kind of performance I’ve been aiming for.”
Chopra added:
The injury represents another challenge in a career marked by both triumphs and the physical demands of elite javelin throwing. Chopra has previously dealt with fitness issues, yet he has consistently returned to deliver podium finishes at the highest level. His comments suggest a measured approach: prioritising full recovery over any rushed return, while keeping the 2028 Olympics as the primary target.
Neeraj Chopra speaks on Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav's performances
At the Asian Games, India’s men’s javelin contingent still secured two medals in Chopra’s absence, as well as that of fellow thrower Kishore Jena. Yashvir Singh claimed silver and Rohit Yadav took bronze.
Chopra welcomed the results as evidence of growing depth in Indian javelin throwing. He was full of praise for Yashvir and Rohit following their recent performance, which impressed the fans. He said:
“I think Yashvir and Rohit performed exceptionally well. At the last Asian Games, we secured two medals a gold and a silver. This time around, even in the absence of Kishore and me, we still managed to bring home two medals.”
Chopra added:
“The emergence of these new, young athletes is a very positive sign for India, showing that we have no shortage of talent. I wish them all the best for the future; I’d also advise them to take good care of themselves, stay injury-free, and simply enjoy their sport.”
The performances of Singh and Yadav have been widely noted within Indian athletics circles as they impressed the fans in the absence of Chopra. Their medals continue a recent trend of multiple Indian throwers featuring on Asian podiums, a development that reduces the previous heavy reliance on a single star performer. Chopra himself has spoken in the past about the importance of building a broader pipeline of talent, and the 2026 results appear to validate that outlook. The Asian Games in Japan served as a significant continental championship in the Olympic cycle leading towards Los Angeles.
While India’s overall medal haul and specific results in other disciplines will be analysed in the coming weeks, the javelin outcome stood out for demonstrating resilience. With Chopra and Jena unavailable, the younger athletes stepped up under pressure and delivered career-best or near-best performances on a major stage. Chopra’s focus now shifts to rehabilitation and a carefully managed return. Elite javelin throwers typically require extensive strength work, technical refinement, and competition rhythm. A full season in 2027 would allow him to regain competitive sharpness, test himself against international rivals and build towards the World Championships and, ultimately, the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The 2028 Olympics will mark a new chapter for the event, hosted in a city with a strong track-and-field tradition. For Chopra, it offers the opportunity to add to his Olympic collection after gold in Tokyo and silver in Paris. At an age when many throwers remain competitive, he retains the physical tools and competitive hunger that have defined his career. As the Indian contingent returns from Japan and athletes begin planning their next training blocks, Chopra’s update provides a clear roadmap. Recovery first, a strong 2027 season second, and a peak performance window aligned with the Los Angeles Olympics third, Chopra is looking for a stronger return after his 2026 season was ended abruptly.
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