Neeraj Chopra to participate in first event in India since Tokyo Olympics triumph

Reigning World Champion and Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra will participate in his first domestic event since 2021 at the National Federation Cup in May 2024.

The Athletics Federation of India revealed on social media that Neeraj Chopra and Kishore Kumar Jena will be participating in javelin throw at the National Federation Cup that commences May 12 in Bhubaneswar.

The 26-year-old superstar is expected to travel to India from Doha after opening his season in the first leg of the prestigious Diamond League series on May 10.

The development was also confirmed by Chopra's coach Klaus Bartonietz to news agency PTI.

Chopra last took part in a domestic competition at the same event on March 17, 2021, when he won a gold with a throw of 87.80m.

Since then, Chopra has won a historic gold in the Tokyo Olympics, became Diamond League champion in 2022, world champion in 2023 and defended Asian Games gold in China.

He also won three individual legs of Diamond League and claimed a silver in the 2022 World Championships.

He is, however, yet to touch the 90m mark. His personal best and national record is 89.94m.

(with PTI inputs)