Neeraj Chopra withdraws from FBK Games 2023 athletics meet citing injury

Indian javelin throw ace Neeraj Chopra has withdrawn from the FBK Games 2023, scheduled for June 4 in the Netherlands, due to a muscle strain he sustained during training.

Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion and world No. 1 men’s javelin thrower in the World Athletics rankings, confirmed his withdrawal from the elite-level World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series on social media.

“Injuries are part of the journey, but it's never easy,” Neeraj Chopra said. “Recently, I sustained a muscle strain during my training. Following a medical evaluation, me and my team have decided to avoid any risks which can aggravate the injury. Unfortunately, it means that I have to withdraw from the FBK Games in Hengelo.

“I am on the road to recovery, and will aim to be back on the track in June. Thank you for all your support!” he added.

The FBK Games is a Dutch athletics meet held annually at the Fanny Blankers-Koen Stadium in Hengelo.

The development will come as a big blow for Neeraj Chopra, who also missed the end of the 2022 season with injury. After winning the Diamond League 2022 finals in Eugene in September last year, the Indian javelin ace was sidelined for almost eight months due to an injury.

Neeraj Chopra made a winning comeback at the Doha Diamond League on May 5 this year, finishing first with a throw of 88.67m at the Qatar Sports Club.

The FBK Games was supposed to be Neeraj Chopra’s second event of 2023.

The 25-year-old Neeraj Chopra is scheduled to participate at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland on June 13. His next appointment is at the Golden Spike Ostrava in the Czech Republic on June 27.

Neeraj Chopra’s 2023 schedule also features the World Athletics Championships in August and the Asian Games in September.