New Delhi: Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra is set to return to competitive action at the Doha Diamond League on June 19 after spending nearly a year away from professional competition due to injury concerns.

The Indian javelin star has been recovering from a back injury that affected his performance at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Japan. His return marks a significant moment for Indian athletics as he prepares for a crucial season leading up to major international events.

Neeraj last competed at the World Championships in 2025, where he endured a disappointing outing and failed to secure a podium finish. He finished eighth in the final with a best throw of 84.93 metres before later revealing that he had been struggling with a back injury sustained shortly before the competition.

Injury layoff and training changes

Following the World Championships, Neeraj stayed away from competition to focus on recovery and rehabilitation. During this period, he also made major changes to his professional setup.

The Olympic champion parted ways with legendary coach Jan Zelezny, who had guided him during an important phase of his career. Neeraj subsequently took charge of his own training programme while preparing for his return to competition.

He also ended his long-standing association with JSW Sports, which had managed him throughout much of his professional journey. The changes signalled a new phase in his career as he worked towards regaining peak fitness.

Commonwealth Games qualification in focus

Neeraj’s return comes shortly after he was provisionally included in India’s squad for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

According to Athletics Federation of India officials, his final selection will depend on his ability to participate in competitive events and achieve the required qualification standards before the Games.

The upcoming Diamond League event will therefore serve as an important assessment of both his fitness and competitive readiness after a lengthy absence from international competition.

Doha remains a special venue

The Doha Diamond League has historically been a significant venue for elite javelin throwers and holds special importance for Neeraj Chopra.

It was at Doha last year that he crossed the coveted 90-metre mark for the first time in his career, achieving one of the most memorable milestones in Indian athletics. The venue has often produced world-class performances and is regarded as one of the premier stops on the Diamond League circuit.

Fans will be eager to see whether Neeraj can rediscover his best form at a venue where he previously achieved a career-defining breakthrough.

Strong field awaits Indian star

The men’s javelin competition is expected to feature several leading international athletes. Among the prominent names in the field are Anderson Peters, currently ranked World No. 2, and Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, ranked World No. 3.

Other competitors include Artur Felfner of Ukraine, Curtis Thompson of the United States, Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic, Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago, Julius Yego of Kenya and Ahmed Sameh Mohamed Hussein of Egypt.

However, world leader Julian Weber and reigning Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem will not be participating in the event.

The men’s javelin competition is scheduled to begin at 11:14 pm on June 19, with Neeraj aiming to make a strong statement in his first appearance since his injury layoff.