India’s Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has suffered a major setback after an ankle ligament injury ruled him out for the remainder of the 2026 season.

The injury means Chopra will miss the upcoming Asian Games, where he was expected to be one of India’s leading medal contenders. His absence will be a significant blow to the country’s athletics campaign.

Chopra sustained the injury during training after competing in Lausanne, where he had produced his best throw of the season. The performance had raised hopes that the star athlete was beginning to regain his rhythm and consistency.

Following discussions with his medical team, Chopra decided to step away from competition for the rest of the year and concentrate fully on rehabilitation.

The 28-year-old athlete expressed disappointment over the timing of the injury, particularly after feeling that his performances were improving. However, he said setbacks are part of an athlete’s journey and that his immediate priority is to recover properly.

Chopra’s decision is aimed at ensuring he makes a complete recovery rather than risking further damage by returning too soon. His rehabilitation programme will now take centre stage as he works towards a return to competition.

The Indian star has been one of the country’s biggest sporting icons in recent years, delivering historic performances on the international stage. His absence from the Asian Games will therefore be closely watched by fans and athletics followers.

For now, Chopra’s focus is on getting fully fit and returning stronger. His recovery will determine when he can resume competitive javelin and begin the next chapter of his career.