[REVISION HISTORY]

Neeraj Chopra and Rumesh Pathirage 2026 javelin campaign

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What changed

2026-09-03 17:49 UTC → 2026-09-05 21:41 UTC · added ~~removed~~

On 21 August, Neeraj Chopra secured second place at the Lausanne Diamond League (Athletissima) in Switzerland with a season-best throw of 88.05m. He was narrowly defeated by Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, who won with an 88.14m effort. This performance marked a return to the 88-metre range for Chopra following recovery from adductor and lower-back injuries. Pathirage continued his dominance on 28 August at the Zurich Diamond League, winning with a 92.07m throw. This mark represents only the second time in his career he has surpassed 92 metres, placing him among only four athletes in history to achieve the feat twice. Pathirage finished the qualifying series at the top of the standings with 39 points, marking his fourth Diamond League win of the season. Following his performance in Lausanne, Chopra announced he will end his 2026 season early due to a ligament tear in his ankle sustained during training. This injury prevents him from competing in the Diamond League Final in Brussels, the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, and the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest. Chopra stated via social media that the decision followed consultations with his medical team to prioritize long-term recovery. In response to Chopra’s withdrawal, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) announced a 77-member track and field squad for the Asian Games. The selection includes Yashvir Singh to replace Chopra in the javelin event. Other notable omissions from the squad include hurdler Tejas Shirse, due to stress fractures, and long-distance runner Abhishek Pal, who was excluded by the AFI to avoid controversy while NADA continues an investigation into a substance found in his sample. Pathirage extended his successful season by winning the men’s javelin title at the Diamond League Final in Brussels.

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