After recovering from a back ailment, Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra will make his first appearance of the 2026 season on June 19 at the Doha Diamond League.
Due to a back problem, the 28-year-old was unable to compete earlier in the year while he concentrated on his recuperation.
“First throw of 2026 lands in Doha! Neeraj Chopra returns to competitive action on June 19,” his management firm Vel Sports announced on Instagram.
Chopra entered the event later than expected because his name was not on the entry list that the organizers made public on June 12.
The Olympic champion, who achieved the 90-meter record at the same venue last year, has particular feelings for Doha. He finished second in May with a throw of 90.23 meters, behind Julian Weber of Germany, who recorded 91.06 meters.
On Sunday, Chopra was also included in India’s athletics team for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, if he meets the 82.61-meter qualifying criteria set by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
The continuous war in West Asia caused the Doha Diamond League, which was supposed to commence the season on May 8, to be postponed.
