New Delhi, August 29: The upcoming 20th Asian Games, scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, has dealt a significant blow to India. Two-time Olympic medalist and star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is out for the remainder of the season due to an ankle injury.
Chopra’s 2026 season has already been challenging. He faced a setback last September with a lower back injury, which delayed his return until June. Despite not being fully fit, the Indian star secured a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games with a throw of 85.83 meters and later achieved second place at the Lausanne Diamond League with a distance of 88.05 meters.
Before focusing on the Asian Games next month, Chopra was also set to compete in the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship. However, this is no longer possible. His injury will prevent him from participating in the Diamond League final in Brussels on September 5 and the World Athletics Ultimate Championship from September 11 to 13.
This raises the question: which javelin thrower will now carry India’s hopes at the 2026 Asian Games?
In the men’s category for the Asian Games 2026, India will now look to Rohit Yadav. With experience on big stages, Rohit is expected to deliver a strong performance, having impressed at the recently held Commonwealth Games 2026.
Hailing from Adari-Dabhiya village in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, Rohit finished seventh at the Commonwealth Games with a throw of 81.56 meters. He also clinched gold at the World Athletics Silver Level Continental Tour event in Bhubaneswar with a personal best of 87.68 meters. The Asian Games present a prime opportunity for him to prove himself.
Rohit has been striving to establish his identity in Indian javelin, consistently competing at the national level and throwing over 87 meters. In Neeraj’s absence, he has not only a chance to win a medal but also a golden opportunity to solidify his position in Indian javelin.
Certainly, Rohit should not feel the direct pressure of filling Neeraj’s shoes. Neeraj’s caliber is unique, and expecting one player to replicate such performance in his absence is unrealistic. Instead, Rohit must focus on delivering his best to strengthen India’s medal prospects.
Rohit’s greatest strength is his experience. Managing pressure in such major tournaments and maintaining rhythm after qualification will be crucial for him. If he can perform around or better than his personal best, he could very well remain in the medal race at the Asian Games 2026.
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