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Chopra was reacting to media reports that claimed he had withdrawn from the event due to an adductor injury that had been bothering him for the last couple of months. read more
 "Neeraj Chopra denies withdrawing from Paris Diamond League, says he hadn't even entered his name for event")
Neeraj Chopra faces the ultimate challenge of defending the Olympic gold in 2024. PTI
Reigning Olympic and world javelin champion Neeraj Chopra denied reports of pulling out of the Paris leg of the Diamond League, saying it wasn’t part of his competition calendar this year in the first place.
Chopra was reacting to media reports that claimed he had withdrawn from the event due to an adductor niggle that had been bothering him for the last couple of months.
The 26-year-old Haryanvi athlete took to X, formerly Twitter, to clarify that he had not even registered for the event, so there was no question of him pulling out of the event, adding that he’s currently focusing on the Summer Olympics that will be taking place in the same city later this month.
“Hello, everyone. Just to clarify: the #ParisDL wasn’t part of my competition calendar this season, so I haven’t ‘withdrawn’ from it. I’m focusing on getting ready for the Olympic Games.
“Thanks for your understanding and support, and wishing all the athletes competing all the best! #RoadToOlympics,” Chopra posted.
Hello, everyone. Just to clarify: the #ParisDL wasn't part of my competition calendar this season, so I haven't 'withdrawn' from it. I'm focusing on getting ready for the Olympic Games.
Thanks for your understanding and support, and wishing all the athletes competing all the…
He was exempted from last week’s National Inter-State Championships, which was a mandatory event for all Indian athletes, by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
The AFI said the relaxation was given to him due to the short turnaround time between the domestic event and the Diamond League on 7 July.
“We have made it very clear that every athlete will compete in India at the Inter-State Championships,” AFI president Adille Sumariwalla had said,
“But Paris Diamond League is clashing with the Inter-State Championships and we feel that Paris Diamond League will be very important for him (Neeraj) before the Olympic Games therefore he is the only guy who has been given special permission to participate in the Federation Cup,” he added.
Read | ‘Need proper confidence that I am fully fit’: Neeraj Chopra on skipping Paris Diamond League
However, Chopra had indicated last month that his schedule will be decided according to the state of his body.
“We had a discussion that I would play in the National Inter-State Championships (27-30 June) and it’s going to be held in Panchkula in Haryana but it was very near to the Paris Olympics,” Chopra had said.
“Since I was playing in Doha which is near to India. Moreover, there is Paris Diamond League (on 7 July) between National Inter-State and Olympics. So, we decided to compete here (Federation Cup),” Chopra had said.
“Further competition schedule will be decided later according to situation and my body. Otherwise, I will go to Paris from there (after competing in Turku).”
Read | Neeraj Chopra pleased with fitness, to consult doctors over nagging issue after Paris Olympics
Chopra, who scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win a track and field medal at the Tokyo Olympics, had won the gold at the at the Paavo Nurmi Games last month.
Following this, he had opened up about his adductor niggle which has affected his season, saying he will consult “different doctors” after the Paris Olympics.
With PTI inputs
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English (US) ·