With shoulder-length hair and none of the global fame he enjoys today, Neeraj Chopra made his Commonwealth Games debut as a 20-year-old at the 2018 Gold Coast Games.
Much has changed since then. Neeraj, who had won a gold then, has since gone on to become an Olympic gold medallist, World champion and two-time Asian Games champion, establishing himself as one of the biggest names in world athletics.
Now back at the Commonwealth Games after missing the 2022 Birmingham edition because of injury, the 28-year-old said he was delighted to return to an event that holds special memories.
“I have very good memories of the Commonwealth Games. It was my first senior Games competition. I started my career at the Commonwealth Games when I won a gold. I am happy that I am back on the field and feeling good,” Neeraj told reporters here on Sunday.
Returning from an eight-month lay-off, Neeraj made his comeback at the Doha Diamond League in June, where he finished fourth with a best throw of 85.69m.
Since competing in Doha, Neeraj said he has worked on his fitness and technique. “I have worked on my weaknesses and on my fitness. I feel much better now,” he said.
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Published on Jul 26, 2026