Just two days before the start of the much-awaited sporting event, the Commonwealth Games which is scheduled to be played in Birmingham, the Indian contingent has suffered one of the biggest blows to their hopes of leading the medal tally. Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has sustained a groin injury and he will have to pull out of the multi-nation event. Chopra, who also happens to be the defending Commonwealth Games champion sustained a groin injury when he was participating in the World Championship final in Eugene, the USA on Saturday. He was rushed to the hospital for an MRI scan and now doctors have advised him to rest at least for a month.
Confirming the news, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief has said "Neeraj Chopra has been ruled out of the Commonwealth games as his body is not at 100%. He has addressed the same and has been advised 20 days of rest as a precautionary measure. He has sustained a groin injury and after his reports have come out, the doctors have advised him to rest for a month".
The 24-year-old Javelin thrower was set to be India's flag-bearer during Thursday's opening ceremony but now that Chopra is injured and not participating, India will have to station someone new to do the honors. IOA chief Rajeev Mehta addressed this matter also and said they are in the process of discussing the matter and they will finalize a name after having discussions with other IOA office-bearers.
Chopra's absence has come as a huge blow to the entire Indian squad stationed in Birmingham, but his absence also means that India will now have their hopes pinned on DP Manu and Rohit Yadav who will try to give their best shot and cover up for Chopra's absence. This news certainly doesn't come as a surprise as Neeraj had hinted about his injury right after he won the silver medal in the World Athletics Championship which was being contested in Eugene
