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AFI Says Neeraj Chopra on Rehab Break, 2026 Opener Undecided

AFI says his 2026 schedule will be set after rehabilitation under coach Jan Zelezny.

Overview

  • AFI spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla said Chopra is taking a break to recover from two injuries and that rehabilitation is the priority.
  • Chopra has not chosen a season opener, and his competition calendar is with coach Jan Zelezny pending recovery progress.
  • AFI released tighter Asian Games qualification standards requiring state meets or two AFI events, with the Inter-State Championships in Bhubaneswar on July 8–12 the final major trial before the Sept 19–Oct 4 Games in Japan.
  • Officials indicated Chopra could be granted permission to skip domestic events for selection if he has approved international commitments, as in previous seasons with the Diamond League.
  • Chopra competed at the 2025 World Championships with back issues and finished eighth at 84.03m, well below his 90.23m season best from May.