India's Neeraj Chopra. (PTI Photo, File)
New Delhi: Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra says he plans to resume training and undergo rehabilitation in the next couple of weeks as his ankle injury, which ruled him out of the recent Asian Games in Japan, has improved significantly.
The 28-year-old javelin throw superstar, who won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and a silver at the Paris Games in 2024, sustained the injury during training in August this year.
The setback brought an early end to his season, forcing him to miss the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games as well as the Diamond League finale.
He said he is much better now after consulting renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala.
"My injury is much better now. I faced some issues initially in the first month and a half, but it has improved significantly," Chopra told Sports Authority of India (SAI) Media.
"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 that he took complete rest as advised by his medical team.
"For my injury, the doctors had advised rest, and that is exactly what I followed. With regard to competitions, TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) and SAI (Sports Authority of India) 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.
His last competition this year was on August 21 at the Lausanne Diamond League where he finished second. He also won a silver in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July.
Speaking about other issues, Chopra welcomed the Union Cabinet's approval of the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme on October 28, calling it a major step for Indian sport.
With a budget outlay of over Rs 1800 crore, the scheme aims to make India a sports good manufacturing hub in the next one decade.
"The Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme, which was approved by the Union Cabinet, is an amazing step. Athletes face a lot of issues in procuring certain equipment in India or have to import sporting equipment from abroad.
"With schemes like these, as equipment will be manufactured in India, it will become much easier for them to source it," he noted.
Chopra also extended his best wishes to the 17-strong Indian contingent that would compete in the Youth Olympic Games beginning on Saturday in Dakar, Senegal.
"I wish all the best to the athletes heading to the Youth Olympics. 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."
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