Hurt about not being able to defend my title: Neeraj Chopra on missing Commonwealth Games

Olympic Gold medallist Neeraj Chopra is disappointed after being ruled out of the upcoming Birmingham Commonwealth Games. Chopra said he is hurt about not being able to defend his title. The talisman had secured a Gold medal in Gold Coast in the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Chopra has been ruled out of the upcoming Games because of his groin injury, which he suffered during the World Championship Final on Saturday in Eugene, USA. The linchpin has been in fine form and he had won the Silver medal in the championship.

The 24-year-old has been advised to take a one-month rest and he will now look to bounce back stronger.

“Hello everyone, I’m extremely disappointed to inform you all that I will not be able to represent the country at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. I had been feeling uncomfortable after the pull I felt in my groin during my fourth throw at the World Championships. On having it investigated medically yesterday by a group of doctors here in the US, a minor strain was discovered and I have been advised to undergo rehabilitation and give it rest for the next few weeks,” Neeraj said in a statement on Twitter.

“I have discussed this with my support team and the IOA, AFI, and SAI’s CAIMS, and we’ve collectively decided that keeping my long-term goals in mind, it would be best for me to skip the CWG in order to avoid risking any further aggravation of the injury. Needless to say, I am hurt about not being able to defend my title and missing out on another opportunity to represent the nation. I am especially disappointed about losing out on the opportunity to be Team India’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony, an honor I was looking forward to having in a few days’ time,” he added.

Chopra added he will now focus on his rehab and he is hopeful of getting back in action very soon.

Further in his statement, Neeraj said: “For now, I will focus on my rehabilitation and hope to be back in action very soon. I would like to thank the entire country for all the love and support I’ve received over the past few days, and urge you all to join me in cheering on my fellow Team India athletes in Birmingham over the coming weeks.”

Chopra was expected to be the flag-bearer for the Indian contingent in Birmingham CWG. The groin injury also puts Chopra’s participation in Diamond League in doubt, which will begin on August 26.