Our Bureau
Doha
India’s double Olympic medallist and javelin ace Neeraj Chopra is set to begin his 2026 athletics season at the Doha Diamond League on June 19, marking his return to international competition after months away from the circuit. The event, to be held at the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar, is expected to feature some of the world’s leading javelin throwers and will serve as a key test of Chopra’s fitness and form ahead of a packed season.
The 28-year-old star last competed at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Since then, he has been recovering from a back injury and undergoing rehabilitation and training, raising questions about when he would make his competitive comeback. His confirmation for Doha has ended weeks of speculation surrounding his schedule.
Doha holds special significance in Chopra’s career. It was at the 2025 Doha Diamond League where he breached the coveted 90-metre mark for the first time, registering a national record throw of 90.23 metres. Despite the milestone, he finished second behind Germany’s Julian Weber, who threw 91.06 metres.
The Doha meet forms part of the prestigious Diamond League series, one of the highest levels of competition in global athletics. Organisers rescheduled the Doha leg to June 19 this year, making it the seventh stop on the 2026 circuit.
For Indian athletics fans, Chopra’s return represents more than just the start of a season. It signals the comeback of the country’s most successful track-and-field athlete, whose performances continue to inspire a new generation of competitors and supporters across the nation.
