Yashvir Singh replaces Neeraj Chopra in Asian Games contingent
(Courtesy : Instagram/@yashvir____singh)
The 2026 Asian Games will be held from September 19 to October 4, 2026
Indian javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra will not feature at the Asian Games this year, a first since he became a two-time defending champion, with Yashvir Singh replacing him. The former hurt his ankle ligament in training after throwing 88.05 meters at the Lausanne Diamond League on August 21, where he finished second.
The timing could not have been worse. Chopra’s 2026 season had already been hampered by a back injury that delayed his return until June.
Lausanne had seemed like the signal that he was finally back to peak form. Chopra’s last major competition missed was the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, when a groin strain kept him away.
This time he is out for the rest of the season. That means Chopra will miss both the Diamond League Final in Brussels and the World Athletics Ultimate Championships. India will mainly feel his absence in their medal hopes at the 2026 Asian Games, set to be held in Aichi-Nagoya.
ALSO READ: List of competitions Neeraj Chopra will miss due to injury
Yashvir Singh replaces Neeraj Chopra in Asian Games contingent
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Now stepping into Neeraj Chopra’s role is Yashvir Singh, the Commonwealth Games bronze medallist. He is now India’s javelin specialist, along with Rohit Yadav. The 24-year-old has had an excellent season, having crossed the 80-meter mark in six of his eight events.
That included a personal best of 85.41m to win bronze at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Yashvir also registered an 82.94-meter throw at the Indian Open in Bhubaneswar.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) confirmed a 77-member track and field team on September 3. Hurdler Tejas Shirse was also left out due to injury. Long-distance runner Abhishek Pal was excluded after the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) flagged a substance below the threshold limit in his dope test.
Six athletes were added to the squad at the request of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA): Harita Bhadra, Kiran Pahal, Sindhushree G, Asha Ilango, Sanya Yadav and Praveen Kumar. Avinash Sable secured his spot in the steeplechase, and it is understood that the AFI is working separately to get him into the 5,000m event too.
Why will Neeraj Chopra miss Asian Games 2026?
Neeraj Chopra sustained an ankle ligament injury in training after throwing 88.05m at the Lausanne Diamond League on August 21, ruling him out of the Asian Games 2026.
When will Neeraj Chopra return to action?
Neeraj Chopra’s return date has not been announced yet, but he will miss the remainder of the 2026 season.
What is Yashvir Singh’s biggest achievement so far?
Yashvir Singh’s biggest achievement to date is winning the bronze medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
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