Neeraj Chopra secured the gold medal at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland, reassuring his fitness for the Paris Olympics despite not achieving his personal best throw. The 26-year-old, India's first track-and-field Olympic gold medalist, triumphed over an adductor injury to achieve a winning throw of 85.97 meters. Chopra plans to prioritize his health, seeking medical advice to manage recurring adductor issues. Currently training in Germany, he also plans sessions in Turkey ahead of the upcoming Olympic Games.
Olympic javelin champion Neeraj Chopra clinched the gold medal at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland on Tuesday, though his winning throw fell short of his personal best. The Indian athlete, celebrated for becoming India's first track-and-field Olympic gold medalist in Tokyo, expressed satisfaction with his fitness heading into the Paris Olympics.
The 26-year-old athlete, known for his distinctive mop of hair, faced challenges with an adductor muscle injury, which had forced him to withdraw from the Ostrava Golden Spike meeting last month. However, Chopra showed no signs of discomfort on Tuesday, achieving a winning throw of 85.97 meters on his third attempt.
"I am happy with my adductor now because I could do all six throws," Chopra said on the tournament website. His personal best throw stands at 89.94 meters. "I will try to stay healthy in the next weeks because then I will throw my best throws."
Chopra has encountered similar issues with his adductor in the past, having also missed the Ostrava meet last year due to a similar injury. Looking forward, he plans to consult with various doctors after the Olympics to address this recurring problem.
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