Neeraj Chopra declares full fitness for Doha Diamond League after groin injury recovery

India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is all set to compete in the Doha Diamond League event at the Suheim bin Hamad Stadium in Qatar on Friday. Chopra has confirmed that he is now fully fit, having recovered from a long-standing groin injury that affected his performances over the past few months.

Neeraj, who won India’s first-ever Olympic gold in athletics in Tokyo 2021, has struggled with injuries ever since. He has missed several competitions, and his training was often disrupted. However, now he feels confident and ready to return to top-level action.

In an interview with the Indian Express, Neeraj said,
“Earlier I had some problems in my groin. This time, I never missed any (throwing) session. So, I feel very confident.”

These words are a relief for fans who were worried about his form after he could manage only a silver medal in the Paris Olympics 2024, where he was clearly not at his best due to injury issues.

Feels confident and strong

Neeraj Chopra is entering the Doha event with high confidence. He said his recent training sessions have gone really well and that he is feeling strong and happy.
“I feel really good. The last throwing sessions were really great. I am ready,” he said.

This event is important for Chopra for multiple reasons. First, it marks his return to full fitness. Second, he will be looking to win his second title at the Doha Diamond League, a competition he won earlier in 2022.

Neeraj came second in each of the last two years (2023 and 2024) in the Wanda Diamond League, which left him slightly disappointed. In 2022, his throw missed the top spot by just one centimetre, even though he had thrown very well.

Now, he is determined to win again and start his 2025 season on a high.

One of the most important changes this season for Neeraj is his new coach Jan Zelezny, a javelin legend from the Czech Republic. Zelezny is widely considered one of the greatest javelin throwers of all time. His partnership with Neeraj began earlier this year.

This will be Neeraj’s first competition under Zelezny’s guidance.

At first, training with Zelezny was difficult for Neeraj because the method was completely different from what he was used to with his previous coach, Klaus Bartonietz.

Neeraj explained,
“In the beginning, it was really hard for me because normally when I trained with Klaus, we trained like today we do throwing, tomorrow lifting. But with Jan, in the morning we do throwing, afternoon lifting.”

However, Neeraj adapted to the new routine after a few weeks. He said that now he enjoys the training and finds it very effective.

“In the beginning, it was hard but after a few weeks, I really liked it. Now, I did some really great sessions,” he said.

According to Chopra, Zelezny has helped him not just with technique but also with mental preparation.

“He changed few little things in technique. He not just helped me in training but also with other things like how we can compete with a strong mindset,” Neeraj said.

This focus on mental strength is important, especially in a technical sport like javelin, where pressure and confidence play a big role in performance.

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Tough times after Paris Olympics

Chopra’s injury problems began before the Paris Olympics 2024, where he had to deal with a groin injury. That injury had limited his ability to train properly, and it was visible in his performance as well. He had to settle for a silver medal, which was still a proud moment, but far from his expectations.

After the Olympics, Neeraj took time off to recover and focus on rehabilitation. He skipped a few competitions to ensure proper healing. It was only in the last few months that he resumed full training.

Now, Chopra is fully back on track. He has completed all throwing sessions and gym work without any discomfort. He also looks in great shape physically and mentally.

His fans are hoping that this new phase will bring back the 2018-2022 version of Neeraj Chopra, who was unbeatable and had delivered consistently top performances.

Neeraj Chopra has clearly stated that he is very excited to begin his new season with the Doha Diamond League.
“I am very excited to open my season in Doha,” he said.

The Doha event has always been a special competition for Chopra. In 2018 and 2022, he gave some of his best performances there. This time, with full fitness and a new coach, he hopes to create magic again.

The Doha Diamond League will also feature some of the best javelin throwers in the world, so it won’t be easy. But Neeraj believes in himself and is aiming for nothing less than gold.

Though Chopra won silver at the Paris Olympics 2024, many fans and experts feel that if he had been fit, he could have won gold. Chopra himself knows this and wants to set the record straight in 2025.

This season will be all about redemption and domination. With big events lined up in 2025, including the World Athletics Championships, Neeraj wants to make every throw count.

His return to full fitness has also given a big morale boost to Indian athletics fans, who see Chopra as the biggest medal hope in upcoming international events.

Fans eager for big return

Fans across India and the world are eager to see Neeraj Chopra in action again. His recovery, his training under Jan Zelezny, and his passion to win again have created a lot of excitement around the Doha event.

Chopra has always been loved not just for his medals but also for his humble and hardworking nature. His honesty about his injury, struggles, and training makes him even more respected.

People are not just hoping for a big throw — they are waiting to see Neeraj Chopra, the fighter and champion, rise once again.

If Neeraj performs well in Doha, it will set the tone for the rest of the season. A strong start will boost his confidence and prepare him for even bigger challenges.

The year 2025 is going to be very important for Chopra. Apart from the Diamond League, the World Championships and other international events are scheduled. Chopra knows that every event is a step toward building momentum.

His training with Zelezny has also opened up new possibilities. If the technique changes bring better results, Chopra may become even more dangerous for his rivals.

Being an Olympic gold medallist comes with a lot of expectations. Chopra knows this very well. But instead of feeling pressured, he uses these expectations as motivation.

He often says that he wants to improve and learn every day. His attitude has kept him grounded even after achieving so much so early in his career.

Now, with full fitness, expert coaching, and a solid training routine, Neeraj Chopra is ready to prove once again why he is one of the best javelin throwers in the world.

One thing Neeraj always aims for is consistency. He doesn’t just want to win one event. He wants to stay on top in every competition he enters.

This is where coach Zelezny’s experience will play a big role. Zelezny himself was a three-time Olympic gold medalist, and his knowledge of staying at the top for years will help Chopra become even better.

Neeraj has already shown signs of this in training. The next step is to deliver in competition. Doha will be the first test.

Neeraj Chopra is back — and this time, he’s stronger, smarter, and better prepared.

From injury setbacks to training changes, Chopra has faced many challenges in the last one year. But his focus, patience, and hard work have brought him back.

Fans, coaches, and fellow athletes will be watching closely as he takes the field in Doha. Whether he wins or not, one thing is certain: Neeraj Chopra is ready to fly high again.