India's javelin champion Neeraj Chopra ends season early after ligament tear

India's star javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, has announced the premature end to his 2026 season following a ligament tear sustained during training. The reigning Olympic champion's decision comes after a recent competition where he secured second place but suffered the injury shortly thereafter.

Chopra, who won gold at the Tokyo Olympics and silver in Paris, revealed his setback in an Instagram post on Saturday. He explained that after consulting with his doctor and team, the decision was made to withdraw from the remainder of the season. "It's disappointing, especially because I felt close to finding my rhythm. But as they say, setbacks are a part of the journey," he stated.

This injury marks a significant blow for the 28-year-old athlete, who has been managing discomfort since 2023. He previously endured a nine-month rehabilitation period after aggravating a disc injury in September 2025, returning to competition in June. The current ligament tear forces him onto the sidelines again for an extended period, impacting his preparation and competitive schedule.

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After discussions with my doctor and team, we’ve decided that I will sit out the rest of this season. It’s disappointing, especially because I felt close to finding my rhythm. But as they say, setbacks are a part of the journey.