The year 2025 has begun on a challenging note for India's Olympic and World champion javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra. The athletics superstar is currently sidelined, focusing entirely on rehabilitation from a significant back injury sustained in late 2024, casting uncertainty over the start of his competitive season.
AFI Confirms Recovery is the Sole Focus
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has provided a clear update on Chopra's status. AFI spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla stated that the athlete is taking a break to recover fully from his injuries. "He is taking a break. He is recovering from his injuries. He had two injuries. The focus is on rehabilitation, I think that is the most important thing, not the opener," Sumariwalla emphasized. The federation confirmed that no decision has been made regarding when or where Chopra will begin his 2025 season, as his recovery calendar is managed by his coach, Czech legend Jan Zelezny.
Details of the Injury and Its Impact
Neeraj Chopra suffered the setback on September 4, 2024, during a training session. While practicing shot put throws, a sudden jolt on his left side—his blocking side—during a front throw action caused a severe stretch. "I could not even walk," Chopra revealed. Subsequent medical examination, including an MRI scan in Prague, identified a problem in the disc of his spine.
For a javelin thrower, a back injury is particularly concerning. The back is not just a support structure but the core engine for generating the immense power and torque required in the throwing action. An issue like a disc injury can dramatically impact performance, making a thorough recovery paramount.
Understanding the Injury and the Risks of a Rushed Return
The disc issue mentioned by Chopra likely involves damage or stress to the intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers between the spinal bones. In high-impact sports like javelin throw, such injuries can occur due to the extreme physical demands.
Medical experts and sports science highlight the critical importance of not rushing a return. Evidence, including a case study in the journal Frontiers, indicates that a hurried return-to-play (RTP) process significantly increases the risk of re-injury, often due to unresolved physical and psychological factors. Both Chopra and the AFI are acutely aware of these risks, which is why the current protocol is entirely centered on systematic rehabilitation under expert guidance.
While the exact timeline for Neeraj Chopra's return to the runway remains unknown, the approach is clear: long-term health and career sustainability outweigh the pressure of an early season opener. The nation awaits the full recovery of its champion, prioritizing his well-being for the major competitions that lie ahead.
