India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has been ruled out of the Asian Games and the remainder of the 2026 season after suffering a ligament tear in his ankle.

Chopra, one of India’s biggest medal hopes for the Asian Games, confirmed the setback in an Instagram post, saying he sustained the injury shortly after the Lausanne Diamond League. After consulting his doctor and medical team, the two-time Olympic medallist has decided to sit out the rest of the season and focus on rehabilitation.

The injury means Chopra will miss the Diamond League Final, scheduled for September 4-5 in Brussels, as well as the World Athletics Ultimate Championships, which will be held from September 11-13 and feature Olympic and world champions along with the leading athletes of the season.

The Asian Games are scheduled to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19.

‘Setbacks are part of the journey’

Chopra said he had felt that he was finally finding the rhythm he had been seeking after a season’s best effort in Lausanne, only for the injury to derail his campaign.

“After a period of hard work, I finally felt I was gaining the momentum I had been looking for with a Season’s Best throw in Lausanne,” Chopra wrote on Instagram. “Unfortunately, shortly after, I sustained a ligament tear in my ankle during training. After discussions with my doctor and team, we’ve decided that I will sit out the rest of this season.”

The 28-year-old admitted that the development was disappointing, particularly as he felt he was beginning to rediscover his form. “But as they say, setbacks are a part of the journey,” he wrote, adding that his immediate priority was to recover properly and return stronger.

Chopra had been building momentum

Chopra had returned to competition after recovering from a back injury earlier this year and recorded a throw of 85.69 metres at the Doha Diamond League.

He subsequently won a silver medal for India at the Asian Games with an 85.83m effort. Chopra appeared to be hitting peak form at the right time before finishing second in Lausanne with a season-best throw of 88.05m.

However, the latest ankle injury has brought his campaign to an abrupt end.

Chopra’s absence is a major blow to India’s medal prospects at the Asian Games, while his decision to prioritise recovery means fans will have to wait until next season to see the Olympic champion back in competitive action.