File photo of Neeraj Chopra.
Olymoic-bound star Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has reached Portugal to take part in an event in Lisbon on June 10, which will mark his return to international competition after more than a year. Chopra, who has not taken part in any international event after qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics in January last year in South Africa, reached Lisbon on Sunday.
"Chopra will take part in a competition in Lisbon on June 10. We are trying for other events also, including the Karlstad Grand Prix in Sweden on June 22," a source in the Athletics Federation of India told PTI on Monday.
"In Lisbon, he will be able to train as well as take part in competition. That is the most important thing as many countries have stipulated hard quarantine for arriving Indians."
The CEO of JSW Sports, Chopra's sponsors, Parth Jindal said the reigning Asian and Commonwealth Games champion has reached Portugal.
"After relentless efforts from @TheJSWGroup Delhi office - countless follow ups through @KirenRijiju office and MEA @jswsports is happy to share that both @Neeraj_chopra1 and @BajrangPunia have arrived in Portugal and Russia respectively to further their training," he tweeted.
Sports Minister appreciated the effort of JSW Group.
"I appreciate the relentless efforts of @TheJSWGroup in supporting our elite athletes through @jswsports and involvement of @ParthJindal11 at personal level too.
"This kind of support from our corporate sector will help India emerge as a great sporting nation."
Chopra had spoken about lack of competition hampering his Olympic build-up during an interaction a few weeks ago.
