Neeraj Chopra pulled out of the Paavo Nurmi Games 2023

The Indian javelin athlete, Neeraj Chopra has pulled out of the Paavo Nurmi Games 2023, to be held in June 13 in Finland. Even though there is no official confirmation regarding his return, his name does not figure in the updated list of participants. On Friday, June 9, the official website of the tournament released an updated list of participants.

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Neeraj, who won the Doha Diamond League in May to start his 2023 season, also didn't participate in the FBK Games held in the Netherlands on June 4. Neeraj Chopra announced on social media that he has pulled out of the Games due to a muscle strain caused by exercise. This is the reason why he would not have participated in the Paavo Nurmi Games 2023. The Indian athlete is looking forward to his next competition. In the previous edition of the Games, Neeraj won the silver medal with a throw of 89.30 metres, second only to Finland's Oliver Helander.

Neeraj Chopra's throw was his personal best at that time. However, he surpassed his record during the 2022 World Cup. He threw 89.94m, which stands as the current national record.

As the 2024 Olympics approach, this year's tournaments are crucial for the current world No.1. Although he will not compete in the Paavo Nurmi Games, he will participate in the Kuortane Games and the Lausanne Diamond League. Additionally, he aims to win a second consecutive continental gold medal at the 2023 Asia Games in Hangzhou, China. Finland's Oliver Helander has announced that he will participate in the Paavo Nurmi Games 2023. He had won the championship last year by defeating Neeraj Chopra with a throw of 89.83m.

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Julian Weber from Germany, Curtis Thompson from the United States, Jakub Vadlejch from the Czech Republic, and Keshorn Walcott from Trinidad and Tobago are among the notable participants of this year's Paavo Nurmi Games 2023. The full list of participants is available on the official website of the tournament.