Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra is ready to begin a new chapter as he returns to Doha for the start of his competitive season, determined to put a difficult injury-hit year behind him. The Olympic champion, who endured multiple fitness setbacks and a disappointing eighth-place finish at last year’s World Championships in Tokyo, says his primary focus now is simple: staying healthy and enjoying the sport again.
Doha holds special memories for Chopra. It was here that he achieved the first 90-metre throw of his career, crossing the milestone with a remarkable 90.23m effort. Now, after months of rehabilitation and training in the quiet surroundings of Switzerland’s Magglingen training centre, he feels physically ready to compete once more.
One of the biggest changes in Chopra’s comeback journey is his return to working with his first coach, Jaiveer Singh Chaudhary. After a successful stint under legendary Czech coach Jan Zelezny, Chopra has chosen to reconnect with the technique that came naturally to him when he first picked up a javelin as a teenager.
Rather than making major technical adjustments, Chopra is focusing on refining his natural throwing style and rebuilding confidence. Supported by a trusted team, including his long-time physiotherapist, the 28-year-old believes he is heading in the right direction.
With the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games on the horizon, Chopra’s return to Doha represents more than just the start of a season—it marks the beginning of a carefully planned comeback aimed at restoring him to his very best.