CWG 2022: Medal favourite Neeraj Chopra ruled out with injury

Neeraj, who recently became just the second Indian after Anju Bobby George to win an Athletics World Championship medal with a silver medal finish had complained of groin pain and stiffness after his event at the Worlds.

Rajeev Mehta, secretary general, IOA, said, "Team India javelin thrower Mr. Neeraj Chopra had called me earlier today from the US to convey his inability to take part in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games owing to fitness concerns. Following his participation in the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Mr. Chopra had an MRI scan done on Monday and, based on it, he has been advised a month’s rest by his medical team". Neeraj had won the gold medal in men's javelin at the last edition of the CWG in the Gold Coast, Australia in 2018. Chopra was expected to be India's flag bearer at the Games, starting on Thursday. "We have a meeting later in the day to decide the new flag-bearer," India team's chef de mission Rajesh Bhandari said.