Report: Neeraj Chopra, Kishore Jena to kickstart season in Doha or Rabat Diamond League

Both javelin throwers have breached the Paris Olympics qualifying mark.

The world of athletics is set to witness an exciting 2024 season as reigning Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra and Asian Games silver medallist Kishore Jena prepare for their upcoming challenges. The Diamond League season will kick off in Xiamen, China on April 20, setting the stage for a thrilling year of athletics.

Neeraj and Kishore Jena are expected to commence their season at the Doha or Rabat Diamond Leagues in May 2024, marking the onset of their rigorous preparation for the Paris Olympics 2024, as per a report in Times of India. Neeraj Chopra, known for his strategic approach, plans to participate in a select few tournaments, preferably 3-4, leading up to the Paris Games. This careful selection aims to maintain his physical fitness and prevent injuries, a crucial aspect of an athlete’s career.

As per the training-cum-competition plan submitted to the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Neeraj Chopra will undergo intensive training at the North-West University in Potchefstroom from December 5, 2023, to February 29, 2024. Following the 85-day training period, he will shift his base to Turkey.

After competing in meets across Europe, Neeraj plans to arrive in Paris a few days before the Olympics. He will then return for the Diamond League Finals (if qualified) in Brussels, Belgium, scheduled on September 13 and 14.

While Neeraj opts for overseas training, rising javelin star Kishore Jena, who recently achieved his personal best mark of 87.54m at the Hangzhou Asian Games, has chosen to train in India. He will prepare for the Olympics at either NIS Patiala or the high-performance athletics centre run by the Reliance Foundation in Bhubaneswar.

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