Neeraj Chopra Chooses to Opt Out of Paris Diamond League

According to a source, Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has chosen not to compete in this Sunday's Paris Diamond League, citing an adductor niggle that has been bothering him for the previous several months.

Chopra claimed he is concentrating on strengthening and improving his blocking leg in an interview with "ESPN."

"My groin is strained when I throw, therefore I need to strengthen my blocking leg. He described the problem, for which he will see "different doctors" following the Paris Games, saying, "We're working on that to see how we can reduce the impact on the groin and control the pressure on it."

"It was the goal for me to compete in additional tournaments, for sure. However, I've come to realize that my health comes first. I've learned to take a little break even if I feel even the tiniest pain or like I'm pushing myself too hard in my workout," he continued.

The run-up pace is transmitted to the hip and then to the throwing arm during the block phase, which is an important motion that culminates in the javelin being launched into the air.

With a throw of 85.97 meters, Chopra won the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland, last month. He stated he has grown wiser over time and no longer takes risks to keep his word, unlike before his Olympic gold.

"Back then, regardless of the outcome, I would always enter a competition and participate. But now that I have more life experience, I can make wiser choices," he remarked.

"Although I was pleased with my performance in Turku, I thought I might have done better. On the runway, I traveled more slowly than usual.

"I need sufficient confidence that I am totally healthy and that my groin is good in order to get that speed back. When I run on the runway, I want to feel secure," he said.