CWG 2022: India's medal favourite Neeraj Chopra ruled out due to injury, pictures of javelin thrower go viral

In a major blow for Indian athletics, Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has been ruled out of the upcoming Commonwealth Games 2022 due to an injury. He recently became the second Indian after Anju Bobby George to win an Athletics World Championship medal with a silver medal finish. The javelin thrower complained of groin pain and stiffness after his performance at the Worlds. Considered by many to be a medal favourite at CWG, the young athlete was also supposed to be India's flagbearer at the opening ceremony of the event. Post the announcement, he took to social media and issued a lengthy statement about his disappointment in not being able to participate in CWG 2022. Chopra wrote, "Hello everyone, I'm extremely disappointed to inform you all that I will not be able to represent the country at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. I had been feeling uncomfortable after the pull I felt in my groin during my fourth throw at the World Championships. On having it investigated medically yesterday by a group of doctors here in the US, a minor strain was discovered and I have been advised to undergo rehabilitation and give it rest for the next few weeks." He added, "I have discussed this with my support team and the IOA, AFI, and SAI's CAIMS, and we've collectively decided that keeping my long-term goals in mind, it would be best for me to skip the CWG in order to avoid risking any further aggravation of the injury. Needless to say, I am hurt about not being able to defend my title and missing out on another opportunity to represent the nation. I am especially disappointed about losing out on the opportunity to be Team India's flag bearer at the opening ceremony, an honour I was looking forward to having in a few days' time. For now, I will focus on my rehabilitation and hope to be back in action very soon. I would like to thank the entire country for all the love and support I've received over the past few days, and urge you all to join me in cheering on my fellow Team India athletes in Birmingham over the coming weeks." It is significant to note that Chopra won a gold medal at the CWG 2018 in Gold Coast. This year, CWG will be held in Birmingham from July 28 to August 8, 2022.