Neeraj Chopra set for season return at Doha Diamond league on June 19
Indian javelin throw star Neeraj Chopra is set to make his competitive return at the Doha Diamond League on June 19, marking his first appearance of the 2026 season after recovering from a back injury.
The two-time Olympic medallist had been sidelined for several months and has been training at Switzerland’s Olympic Centre ahead of his comeback.
Chopra's management firm, Vel Sports, confirmed the development through social media, while the athlete also posted a brief message saying, “See you in Doha.”
The 28-year-old was added to the competition field after the initial list of participants was announced earlier this month.
In Doha, Chopra will face a strong field that includes Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, who currently leads the season rankings, reigning world champion Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago, and two-time world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada.
Also competing are Curtis Thompson of the United States, Julius Yego of Kenya, Jakub Vadlejch of Czechia, Mohamed Huseein Ahmed Sameh of Egypt, and Artur Felfner.
Chopra has enjoyed success at the Doha venue in the past. In May 2025, he crossed the coveted 90-metre mark for the first time in his career, registering a throw of 90.23m and finishing second behind Germany’s Julian Weber.
The Indian star was recently named in India’s athletics squad for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, subject to meeting the Athletics Federation of India’s qualifying standard.
The Doha Diamond League, originally scheduled for May, was postponed due to the West Asia conflict and will now serve as Chopra’s season opener.
