Neeraj should skip World Championships if he's not fully fit by that time: Head coach

Star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra should not be rushed into competition following his elbow injury and he should skip the World Championships later this year if he is not fully fit by then, national athletics head coach Bahadur Singh said on Tuesday. The 21-year-old Neeraj developed pain on his elbow while doing practice at the NIS Patiala earlier in April and he had to skip the April 21-24 Asian Championships in Doha.

"Neeraj is in Mumbai now, consulting a renowned doctor there and what is the future course of action will be known only after the medical reports have come. He should be careful and should not rush himself into competitions," Bahadur told PTI from Patiala on Tuesday.

"His injury should be treated carefully. If you ask me, I will say that he should skip the World Championships (September 27 to October 6) in Doha if he is not fully fit by that time," the head coach said, though refusing to dwell into the matter of how serious was the injury.

The prestigious Diamond League series are coming up and first such meet where javelin throw will be a part is in Shanghai on May 18 followed by in Oslo on June 13.

"Neeraj is a bright prospect for an Olympic medal and he should deal with this injury very carefully. Olympics is the most important event for him," Bahadur said.

Last year, Chopra became only the third man to win an athletics gold for India at the Commonwealth Games after sprinter Milkha Singh and discus thrower Vikas Gowda.