Athletics: Tokyo-bound Neeraj Chopra granted French visa, set for return to international circuit

Star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is set to return to international competition after more than a year as he heads to Europe on Monday for training and tournaments that will prepare him well for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.

The Commonwealth and Asian Games champion has not taken part in any international event after qualifying for the Tokyo Games in March last year in South Africa.

He will first travel to France for a training stint and then reach Sweden.

“Granted visa to travel to France. I am very happy that I am getting a chance to compete in international competitions before #Tokyo2020,” tweeted the 23-year-old who broke his own national record with a throw of 88.07m in Patiala in the Indian GP 3 in March.

Granted visa to travel to France. I am very happy that I am getting a chance to compete in international competitions before #Tokyo2020. I’m thankful to @PMOIndia @DrSJaishankar @KirenRijiju @IndiaSports @Media_SAI @afiindia for making this happen.

— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) May 30, 2021

Neeraj will be accompanied by biomechanics expert Dr Klaus Bartonietz and physiotherapist Isaan Marwaha during his European training-cum-competition tour.

“Neeraj will undergo 10 days quarantine in France but it is not hard quarantine. He will be able to train alone for 3-4 hours a day. After his quarantine in France is over,…

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