Why Olympian Neeraj Chopra will skip 36th National Games

Neeraj Chopra, after winning the prestigious Diamond League Finals title in Zurich, said that social commitments and commercial obligations have taken a toll on his health. The Tokyo Olympics gold medallist added that he will be skipping the 36th National Games. 

The National Games will be held in Gujarat from September 27 to October 10. 

Also read: Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra wins Lausanne Diamond League title

Chopra became the first Indian to win the Diamond League on Thursday. The 24-year-old threw for 88.44 m, his fourth career best, in his second attempt to win the competition. He had 88.00m, 86.11m, 87.00m and 83.60m in his next four throws.

Neeraj Chopra said that he is planning to balance commercial commitments and preparation for events. 

“Last year was a very new experience for me, balancing was difficult, but I learned from last season. This time for the few commercial commitments I will give dates in advance. When the training time comes, I will be fully focused on that … so that the preparation is taken care of well,” he said after the Diamond League win. 

Chopra said that as per his schedule, the Zurich event was supposed to be his last this year. He added that he will miss the National Games on his coach’s consultation. 

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“As per my schedule planned at the beginning of the year, this (Zurich event) was supposed to be the last event of my season. I would have taken part in the Asian Games but that was postponed. We already knew that, so my season ends with the Zurich event. The National Games dates were announced just now. I have taken my coach’s consultation and he has advised me to rest and get ready for the next crucial season,” Chopra said, as per a Times of India report.