Injury concerns a dampener
Injury concerns have dimmed the hopes somewhat as the Indian contingent heads to Paris with an aim to better the Tokyo Olympics medal haul. India bagged seven medals, including the all-important individual gold in javelin won by Neeraj Chopra. However, as the countdown begins, many including Neeraj and Mirabai Chanu, the reigning silver medallist in weightlifting, have run into injury troubles.
Neeraj Chopra: He pulled out of Golden Spike Ostrava in Czech Republic in May due to an adductor muscle strain. This was after he was cajoled into taking part in the Federation Cup National Championship 2024. However, he returned to action at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland in June to assuage all fears. Currently in Turkey, Neeraj, as per JSW’s Head of Sports Excellence Manisha Malhotra, is preparing well and is fit. “There is no pain in his groin area. He had a throwing session last week and another is planned for this Monday. He could not have attempted it if he was half fit. Be assured, he is fine and looking after his body,” she reassures.
Mirabai Chanu: The weightlifter is currently training in Paris. The reigning silver medallist in 49kg category has suffered many injuries, the latest being hip tendonitis, diagnosed during the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. Previously, she suffered a rotator cuff, shoulder and wrist injury and was also out of action for nine months in 2018 because of a lower back injury. With multiple such issues, Mirabai has had to spend considerable time with strength and conditioning expert Aaron Horschig to get going again. Concerns apart, Mira remains in contention for a medal in Paris, says her coach Vijay Sharma. “I think it is remarkable that Mira, despite all her injury issues, is still a medal contender. She is looking sharp and I am very hopeful that she will put up a good show in Paris,” adds Sharma.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy: The flamboyant half of the Indian doubles pair alongside Chirag Shetty, Satwiksairaj, too, has run into injury trouble. A shoulder injury forced the pair to pull out of the Badminton Asian Championships in Ningbo, China, in April. Though the pair returned to win the Thailand Open title in May and competed in Singapore in June, Satwik’s recurring injury has halted the preparations for the Games. “It is looking tough, but let’s see how he responds,” said a BAI insider.
Anshu Malik: The wrestler, who will take part in the 57kg category in Paris, incurred a neck injury while training at the Shahid Bhagat Singh Academy in Mirchpur, Hisar. She was hospitalised for two days and was advised three weeks’ rest. Curiously, she was then cleared to train again by July 3. Anshu has already left for Japan to train. “Hers is a very suspect case. After three weeks’ rest, suddenly she was cleared to train again. We suspect that the injury persists,” a federation official said.
