‘Yeh bhi theek hai’: Neeraj Chopra’s silver touch on comeback path
Chopra Embraces Silver as He Returns to Form in Glasgow
Bharatmorningnews.com – There is something distinctive about hearing Neeraj Chopra discuss his achievements when he finishes as a runner-up at a premier international competition. The Indian javelin star experienced this sentiment once again at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, following his Olympic silver medal finish in Paris the previous year.
While Indian supporters and competitors alike celebrate any medal color during quadrennial tournaments, the reaction differs when it involves the nation’s premier track and field athlete.
A Journey Back to the Podium
During his Paris campaign, the defending Olympic champion expressed greater disappointment about his physical condition preventing a record-breaking throw rather than excitement about becoming one of India’s rare multiple Olympic medalists.
However, the mood shifted on Friday evening in Glasgow. After competing in the javelin final—returning to competition following a missed previous edition and dealing with injury-plagued seasons—Chopra repeatedly mentioned that everything was fine.
Competing in challenging wind conditions against a strong field where five competitors held personal bests exceeding 90 meters, the 28-year-old secured second place with a season-best mark of 85.83 meters achieved on his opening attempt.
Celebrating Teammates’ Success
Chopra immediately praised his fellow Indian competitor Yashvir Singh, who claimed bronze with a personal best of 85.41 meters on his final throw. This achievement marked India’s first-ever double podium finish in javelin at the Commonwealth Games.
He also acknowledged Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga, aged 23, whose single legal throw of 89.75 meters secured victory and further highlighted the young cricketer-turned-thrower’s impressive progression.
“In such competitions, I always try to get the Indian national anthem played,” Chopra shared with reporters. “Par, yeh bhi theek hai. I have given my season best.”
Building Momentum After Setbacks
Chopra’s competitive season commenced in June at the Doha Diamond League, where he placed fourth with a distance of 85.69 meters. This marked his first tournament since finishing eighth at the Tokyo World Championships as the defending champion in September of the previous year.
Throughout the preceding season, the athlete who discussed ongoing groin problems in Paris continued managing physical challenges. Although he achieved a coveted 90-meter throw, his trademark consistency wavered somewhat. He subsequently ended his partnership with Jan Zelezny and resumed working with his childhood coach Jai Choudhary.
Such transitions require patience. Returning from injuries and taking extended breaks demands time for recovery and adjustment.
Only exceptional athletes across various disciplines can emerge after months of limited activity or underwhelming results and deliver when it counts on the world stage. Consider Novak Djokovic or PV Sindhu during her peak years.
Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem had participated in merely one competition within a year, recording a throw below 80 meters just 15 days before arriving in Glasgow. He exited the final’s initial round with a distance of 78.63 meters. Given these circumstances, it would have been reasonable if Chopra experienced similar difficulties, particularly after his performances in Doha and during CWG qualification where he recorded 79.61 meters in more demanding conditions.
Technical Excellence Shines Through
Nevertheless, Chopra remains among the elite, demonstrating strong technical abilities despite acknowledging he is “not as fit as before” and “gradually getting back to rhythm.”
“The comeback is going okay,” Chopra explained. “If you’re 100% fit, you have the fighting spirit, and that feeling that you can do anything. If you’re returning from an injury, you have to be watchful. Today I had that fear in my mind, that I shouldn’t overdo anything.”
His strongest performance came on the second throw, providing a temporary advantage. Tharanga similarly achieved his record-setting single valid attempt. The Indian competitor then recorded distances of 81.29 meters and 80.73 meters before deciding to withdraw from his final two attempts.
Although he noted conditions improved compared to qualifying, the cold temperature persisted—a factor he does not favor. “Indian khoon hai,” he joked.
Having a fellow Indian medalist nearby brought additional joy, evoking memories of the Guangzhou Asian Games. Yashvir felt honored to stand alongside India’s javelin pioneer. Prior to five throws, his best effort of 81.33 meters would not have sufficed for a podium position. However, following encouragement from Chopra, the 24-year-old Rajasthan native delivered his career-best 85.41 meters to claim bronze.
“The biggest thing is,” said Chopra regarding the Indian presence on the podium, “if I’m not on the field or out injured, there are others behind me who can take care of things and throw well.”