Double Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra has shared an encouraging recovery update, saying his ankle injury is 'much better' and that he expects to resume training and rehabilitation within the next couple of weeks. The 28-year-old javelin star, who was ruled out of the remainder of the 2026 season after sustaining a ligament tear during a training session in August, confirmed the improvement in an interaction with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) media team.

The Injury and Recovery Timeline

Chopra's ankle setback came at a particularly costly juncture — shortly after he had clocked a season-best throw of 88.05m at the Lausanne Diamond League, signalling a return to form. The injury subsequently forced him to withdraw from a string of marquee events, including the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, the Diamond League Finals in Brussels, and the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships. The latest setback also compounded an earlier lower back complaint he had been managing through the season.

Chopra said he had encountered difficulties in the initial one-and-a-half months of recovery but chose to strictly follow medical advice and rest completely. Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala has now cleared him to begin rehabilitation and training. 'My injury is much better now. I faced some issues initially in the first month and a half, but it has improved significantly. I consulted Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, and he has advised that I can now resume training and begin proper rehabilitation. My plan is to start both in the next couple of weeks,' Chopra said.

SAI and TOPS Support

The world champion credited the sustained backing of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and SAI for supporting his preparation and recovery over the years. 'For my injury, the doctors had advised rest, and that is precisely what I followed. With regard to competitions, TOPS and SAI have been supporting me for years. I have been part of the TOPS Core Group for many years now, and whenever I need any support, they are there,' he said.

This marks the second significant injury interruption of his career, following an adductor muscle tear that affected his preparations ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. Chopra recovered from that setback to win India's first Olympic athletics gold in 2021 and followed it with a silver at the Paris Olympics 2024, cementing his status as the country's premier track-and-field athlete.

Chopra Welcomes Khelo India Sports Goods Scheme

On the policy front, Chopra welcomed the Union Cabinet's approval on 28 October 2026 of the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme, calling it a meaningful step toward athlete self-sufficiency. He noted that Indian athletes currently face hurdles in sourcing specialised equipment domestically and often have to import it from abroad. 'With schemes like these, as equipment will be manufactured in India, it will become much easier for them to source it,' he said.

Message to Youth Olympics-Bound Athletes

Chopra also extended wishes to the Indian contingent heading to the upcoming Youth Olympic Games, urging young athletes to treat competitive pressure as a learning tool rather than a burden. 'Enjoy the experience, and don't take too much pressure or get nervous. Whatever pressure you face at the Youth Olympics is good for you, as it teaches you a lot. Use this opportunity to observe others and channel the pressure to your advantage, and I am sure you will do your best,' he said.

With rehabilitation set to begin imminently, attention will now turn to whether Chopra can return to full fitness in time to mount a strong challenge in the 2027 season, which includes the World Athletics Championships.