नीरज चोपड़ा ने पावो नूरमी खेलों से लिया नाम वापस: प्रतिभागियों की सूची से नाम गायब; मांसपेशियों में खिंचाव की वजह FBK गेम्स भी नहीं खेली

Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Neeraj Chopra has reportedly pulled out of the upcoming edition of the Paavo Nurmi Games. The competition is to be held on June 13 in Turku, Finland. However, there is no official report regarding his withdrawal. On accessing the updated list of participants, 25-year-old Neeraj’s name is missing from the list.

The updated list of participants was released on the official website of the tournament on Friday, 9 June. The Indian javelin, who started his 2023 season by winning the Doha Diamond League in May, also did not take part in the FBK Games held in the Netherlands on June 4.

Neeraj Chopra had told through social media that he has withdrawn his name from the Games due to muscle strain. These muscles were pulled during exercise. It is expected that Neeraj would not have participated in the Paavo Nurmi Games for the same reason.

Looking forward to the next competition
Indian star Paavo Nurmi won the silver medal in the last edition of the Games with a throw of 89.30m, finishing second behind Finland’s Oliver Helander. Significantly, Neeraj Chopra’s throw in the event was his best at that time. However, he improved his record during the 2022 World Cup. He threw a throw of 89.94m, which is the current national record.

With the 2024 Olympics round the corner, this year’s tournaments are certainly crucial for the current World No. 1. Since he is not participating in the Paavo Nurmi Games, his next major tournament is the Kuorten Games, followed by the Lausanne Diamond League. He will also be looking for a second consecutive continental gold medal at the Asia Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China.

Oliver Helander Is All Set To Defend His Title
Finland’s Oliver Helander has confirmed his participation in the Paavo Nurmi Games. The defending champion threw a throw of 89.83m to defeat Neeraj Chopra. As the Indian star had withdrawn, Oliver Helander is likely to defend his title with ease.

Other notable participants of this year’s Paavo Nurmi Games include Julian Weber (Germany), Curtis Thompson (United States), Jakub Wadlejch (Czech Republic), and Keshorn Walcott (Trinidad and Tobago). The full list of participants can be found on the official website of the tournament.