Injured Neeraj Chopra advised one-month rest, pulls out of Birmingham CWG

India’s golden boy Neeraj Chopra has been advised one-month rest after he suffered a groin injury while participating in the World Championship final in Eugene, USA, on Saturday. Chopra, who continues to grow in stature after his Olympic glory, underwent an MRI scan on Sunday, and he has been advised a one-month rest.

Consequently, the talisman has decided to pull out of the upcoming Birmingham Commonwealth Games. As a result, Chopra wouldn’t be able to defend his CWG gold, which he had won in 2018 in Gold Coast.

Rajeev Mehta, the secretary-general of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has revealed that Chopra will need to take a one-month rest.

“I was informed by the Athletics Federation of India today morning that Neeraj is not 100 percent fit. He had injured his groin and after scans, has been told to rest for one month. Consequently, he will not be taking part in the Commonwealth Games,” Mehta told The Indian Express.

In fact, Chopra was expected to be India’s flag bearer in the opening ceremony of the games, which will take place on Thursday. The decision on a new flag bearer will be taken later.

Meanwhile, Chopra’s trainer had earlier revealed that his ward used to push the envelope despite the injury troubles in the past. However, Chopra has matured since then and takes care of his body.

“Initially he would just push himself through pain. Now he has matured. He knows it is ok not to train when he has not slept well. He knows there is no point doing a morning session without full recovery. He will tell us if he is feeling tightness around say the shoulder or the hip. If the coach says you have to do a 90 kg squat or 90 kg snatch and if he feels he is not able to do it he will give his feedback. He knows how to prevent injury,” his physio Ishaan Marwaha told Indian express.

The groin injury also puts Chopra’s participation in Diamond League in doubt, which will begin on August 26. The 24-year-old will look to recuperate soon and once again make a solid comeback to the field.