Following a disappointing eighth-place finish at recent World Athletics C’ships, javelin star Chopra returns to cool training base in Switzerland to recharge batteries; insists he will return stronger for 2026 season
Neeraj Chopra in Zermatt, Switzerland, recently. Pic/PTI
It was a ‘challenging’ season, but one that Neeraj Chopra is proud of, and as he recovers to come back ‘sharper’ next year, the ace javelin thrower has retreated to Switzerland — home to some of his most cherished moments in an incredible sporting journey.
“It’s been a really challenging season overall. A lot to be proud of and plenty to learn from. Each competition added to my experience and confidence,” Chopra, 27, said while reflecting on the year. “Of course, there’s always scope to get better, and that’s what keeps me motivated,” added the affable Haryana-lad, who touched the 90m peak, but ended up medal-less at the World Championships last month, hampered by a nagging back problem.
The 90m strike, which was being awaited ever since he won a gold at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, was finally achieved at the Doha Diamond League in May.
But the two-time Olympic medallist finished eighth at the Worlds, managing 84.03m while competing with a heavily strapped back and carrying the heavier weight of expectations that came with being the defending champion.
He has moved on from the mixed results and is now focussed on a strong return in 2026. “The focus now is on recovery and getting stronger for the next season. The body feels good, and with a bit of rest and recovery, I am confident of coming back sharper,” he said.
And Switzerland is the place that he loves coming back to for those much-needed recovery sessions. “I love Lausanne for its landscape and Zermatt for the mountains. This trip to Zurich and Murren is also a great way to recuperate the mind and body. When you come here in summers, the lush greenery mesmerises you and in winters, the snowfall, the majestic mountains are a sight to behold,” the star Indian javelin thrower said.
It’s little wonder that Switzerland is so close to Chopra’s heart considering he won the Zurich Diamond League here in 2022 and also trained at the Swiss Olympic Training Centre in Magglingen for the World Championship in Budapest (2023), where he clinched the gold medal.
Indian athletics fans will certainly hope that this European sojourn can revitalise Chopra and help him clinch a lot more gold medals come 2026.
Chopra’s results in 2025
Potchefstroom Invitational, South Africa1st (84.52m)
Doha Diamond League, Qatar2nd (90.23m)
Janusz Kusocinski Memorial, Poland2nd (84.14m)
Paris Diamond League, France1st (88.16m)
Ostrava Golden Spike, Czechia1st (85.29)
Neeraj Chopra Classic, Bengaluru1st (86.18m)
Zurich Diamond League Final, Switzerland2nd (85.01m)
Tokyo World Athletics Championships, Japan8th (84.03m)
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