India’s two-time Olympics medallist Neeraj Chopra on September 15 revealed that he competed and finished as runner-up in Diamond League 2024 final in Brussels despite a fractured left hand. Chopra suffered a fractured in his left hand during a training session on September 9, a few days before the final.
On September 14, Chopra missed out on winning the Diamond League trophy by the barest of margins. His throw of 87.86 metre was one centimetre shy of Grenada 's Anderson Peters who won the title.
"On Monday, I injured myself in practice and x-rays showed that I had fractured the fourth metacarpal in my left hand. It was another painful challenge for me. But with the help of my team, I was able to participate in Brussels," the 26-year-old wrote on his social media handle.
"This was the last competition of the year, and I wanted to end my season on the track. While I couldn’t meet my own expectations, I feel this was a season in which I learned a lot. I am now determined to return, fully fit and ready to go."
Chopra has not been at his best. He skipped the Zurich leg of Diamond League after cementing his place in the final. He has been holding back to avoid aggravating his groin injury. The doctors have advised him to not push himself too much while his wait for breaching the 90 metre mark continues.
Chopra’s throws in final and piece prize money
Chopra got USD 12,000 for finishing as runner-up. His first throw was 86.82 metre followed by an unimpressive 83.49 metre. His third throw of 87.86m helped him get close to Peters's first throw of 87.87 metre. His rest of the throws were 82.04m, 83.30m and 86.46m.
Chopra looks back on year 2024
Chopra got close to breaking the 90 metre barrier in Paris Olympics but lost the gold medal to Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem.
"As the 2024 season ends, I look back on everything I’ve learned through the year - about improvement, setbacks, mentality and more,” the 26-year-old wrote.
"I want to thank all of you for your encouragement. 2024 has made me a better athlete and person. See you in 2025."
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