Neeraj Chopra to miss PM Modi's felicitation ceremony: Here's why
Star Indian javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, has chosen to forego the Independence Day celebrations and the felicitation ceremony for Indian Olympians hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chopra, who won the silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has already relocated to Lausanne, Switzerland. His focus is now on competing in the Diamond League event scheduled for August 22. Here are further details.
Schedule of Paris-bound Indian contingent
The Indian contingent, including those returning from the Paris Olympics and the ones already in India, will be arriving in the national capital on August 14. Their schedule includes a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu on August 14, followed by participation in the flag hoisting ceremony at Red Fort. The Paris-bound Team Indian will then attend the Prime Minister's function. These events are set to proceed as planned sans Chopra.
Chopra's commitments in Switzerland confirmed by AFI
A source from the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) confirmed that Chopra will not be attending the felicitation ceremony due to his commitments in Switzerland. "Yes, Neeraj is in Switzerland and he has prior commitments. He is taking part in the Diamond League," said the source. The source also revealed that athletes Avinash Sable and Priyanka Goswami are also in Switzerland for the same reason.
Chopra's return to India postponed until September
Bhim Chopra, Neeraj's uncle, confirmed that his nephew isn't likely to return to India before September this year. "I can confirm he is not coming back anytime soon. He is already in Switzerland as he has to take part in a competition," Bhim Chopra told The Tribune. He also shared that Neeraj would prefer a discreet return.
Second Olympic medal for Chopra
India's javlin star Neeraj Chopra entered the 2024 Paris Olympics on the back of his Tokyo Games gold-medal win. However, Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem spoiled his party with a monster throw of 92.97m, which is now an Olympic record. Chopra's throw of 89.45m on his second attempt handed him the silver medal. Nevertheless, Chopra scripted history by winning a second individual Olympic medal in athletics.
