Neeraj ready to roll after Kuortane fall

NEW DELHI: India’s javelin ace Neeraj Chopra played down injury concerns after winning his maiden gold of the 2022 season at Kuortane Games in Finland on Saturday. Competing in wet conditions on a slippery runway, Chopra fumbled while completing his third attempt and landed on his left shoulder. He and the next two throwers skipped their last three throws.

Later, the 24-year-old took to Twitter to allay fears over any injury.

“Tough conditions with the weather, but happy to get my first win of the season here at Kuortane. I’m feeling good and looking forward to kicking off my Diamond League season at @BAUHAUSGALAN on the 30th. Thank you for all the messages and support,” he tweeted.

Athletics Federation of India (AFI) also tweeted the news of Chopra’s well-being. “All well with @Neeraj_chopra1 after that bad slip on his third attempt. Nothing to worry. Well done #Neerajchopra, congrats for one more top class performance,” said AFI’S official handle.

Chopra began his event with a throw of 86.69m and fouled on his next attempt.

His opening effort though proved enough to secure a top finish in only his second competition. Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott won silver (86.64m) while Grenada’s Anderson Peters (84.75m) took bronze.

Chopra will be next in action at the Stockholm Diamond League on June 30, followed by World Athletics Championships (July 15-24) and Birmingham Commonwealth Games (July 28-August 8). Earlier in the week, Chopra, competing for the first time in 10 months since winning the Olympic gold, bagged silver and broke his national record with a throw of 89.30m at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland.