Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra pulls out of Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland

Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Neeraj Chopra has decided to pull out of the Paavo Nurmi Games, which are starting on June 13, 2023, in Finland. The Olympic champion informed event organisers of his "cancellation" of his participation in the World Athletics Continental Tour gold-level event due to "health" issues.

"Javelin Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra cancelled his participation in the Paavo Nurmi Games. Chopra's manager messaged the competition organisers that the athlete has health problems, which is why the (his) competition had to be cancelled," said a statement on the website of the Finnish Athletics Federation.

"Of course, peak cancellations are always upsetting. At the moment, there seem to be quite a few 90m javelin throwers from recent years injured. Chopra's second-best result of all



time is from Turku last summer and he was certainly looking forward to the competition at least as much as we were," said Jari Salonen, CEO of PN Turku Oy, which organises the Paavo Nurmi Games.

Chopra announced on May 29 that he had suffered a muscle strain during training and was withdrawing from the FBK Games (June 4) in Hengelo, Netherlands, as a precautionary measure.

"Recently, I sustained a muscle strain during my training. Following a medical evaluation, I and my team have decided to avoid any risks which can aggravate the injury," the world No. 1 had said on Twitter.

"Unfortunately, it means that I have to withdraw from the FBK Games. Injuries are part of the journey, but it's never easy. I am on the road to recovery, and will aim to be back on the track in June."