Neeraj Chopra Ruled Out of 2026 Asian Games After Ankle Ligament Tear

India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has been forced to end his 2026 season prematurely after suffering a ligament tear in his ankle during training. The injury has ruled the two-time Olympic medallist out of the upcoming Asian Games and the remaining major competitions of the season.

Chopra confirmed the development on Saturday, saying that the decision to withdraw from the rest of the season was taken after consultations with his doctor and support team. The injury is expected to keep him away from competitive action for nearly six months, dealing a major blow to India’s medal hopes at the Asian Games.

The setback came shortly after Chopra appeared to be finding his rhythm again. At the Lausanne Diamond League in August, he produced a season-best throw of 88.05 metres to finish second. The performance had raised expectations ahead of the final phase of the athletics season.

However, the injury during training has now brought his campaign to an abrupt conclusion. Chopra will also miss the Diamond League Final, having already qualified for the prestigious event. His absence from the Asian Games will be particularly significant for India, as he was among the country’s strongest medal prospects in athletics.

The 2026 season had already proved challenging for Chopra. His return to competition was delayed after a back injury kept him out for an extended period. After making his comeback, he managed to secure a podium finish at the Commonwealth Games, where he took silver behind Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage.

Pathirage won the Commonwealth Games gold with an 89.75m effort, while Chopra finished second. Earlier, at the Doha Diamond League in June, the Indian finished fourth with a throw of 85.69m. His Lausanne performance suggested that his form was improving, but the latest injury has once again interrupted his competitive schedule.

Despite the disappointment, Chopra said his priority is now rehabilitation and a strong return. The Indian javelin star expressed his determination to recover properly and return to competition stronger, bringing an early end to a season that had only recently begun to show signs of renewed momentum.