AFI Media
New Delhi, July 27: Fitness concerns will prevent Olympic Games Javelin Throw champion, Neeraj Chopra, from competing in the Commonwealth Games beginning in Birmingham on July 28. He suffered a minor injury when competing at the World Athletics Championships Oregon22 in Eugene on Sunday and made the decision after an MRI scan on Monday.
Athletics Federation of India President Adille Sumariwalla said Neeraj Chopra had requested AFI to inform the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) that he would not be in a position to be the flag-bearer of the Indian contingent in Birmingham.
“Neeraj has said that since he is not 100 per cent fit to compete at the Commonwealth Games, he would not be the flag bearer of the Indian contingent at the athletes’ parade in the opening ceremony,” Mr. Sumariwalla said. “Neeraj appeared to be struggling on Sunday during the finals at the World Championships. We are in constant touch with him to assist his recovery.”
On Sunday, Neeraj Chopra became India’s first male athlete to win a medal at the World Championships with an effort of 88.13m in the final at Hayward Field. He won a silver medal while Grenada’s Anderson Peters grabbed the gold with his best attempt of 90.54m.
