We are taking step by step and not pushing Neeraj Chopra, says Adille Sumariwala

We are taking step by step and not pushing Neeraj Chopra, says Adille Sumariwala

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Athletics Federation of India (AFI) president Adille Sumariwala has said that, the federation is going step by step regarding Neeraj Chopra’s participation in the World Athletics Championships. Sumariwala has also added that they are also not having a word with Chopra regarding the global event.

Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is one of the brightest prospects for a medal in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics next year. However, an injury in his right hand as restricted the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medallist in 2018 from participating in important events this year. He had to miss out on the 23rd Asian Athletics Championships last month in April and now after elbow surgery, his participation in the World Championships, which will be held in September, is in doubt. 

Speaking about Chopra’s chances of making it to the global event in Doha in September, AFI president Sumariwala has said that they are taking one step at a time and are not pushing the javelin thrower to do things going out of his way. 

“We are taking step by step, there is no point jumping the gun. We are not pushing him (to do things),” Sumariwala told PTI.

“We are not even talking to him about the World Championships. If we do that he would want to throw hard. We will go step by step. We told him you do so much of rehabilitation and we will see what to do next.”

There was an arthroscopic surgery on Chopra’s right hand which was done to remove bone fragments from his elbow joint. The 21-year-old is now slowly recovering after the surgery without any complications. He was successfully operated by orthopaedic surgeon Dinshaw Pardiwala at the Kokilaben Dirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai earlier this month. As per the medical reports, it is learnt that his recovery might take at least three months.

Sumariwala has mentioned that the star athlete is undergoing rehabilitation and the daily report is good without any complications.

“There were some bone fragments (in Neeraj’s elbow) which were removed. He has started his physiotherapy with Heath Matthews. He must have done four sessions by now. I will discuss about Neeraj’s progress with Matthews and doctor Pardiwala tomorrow,” the AFI president explained.

“He (Neeraj) is doing everything except throwing. He is undergoing rehabilitation. The daily report is good, so far so good, there are no complications. We are hopeful (of his complete recovery).”

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