Neeraj Chopra’s training-cum competitors stint in Europe delayed by few days: SAI
Olympic-bound star Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra’s training-cum-competition stint in Europe, which can mark his return to worldwide competitors after greater than a yr, has been delayed “by just a few days” as he awaits an authorisation letter from France.
The 23-year-old Indian, who hasn’t participated in any occasion since qualifying for the Olympics in March final yr, was initially set to depart for France on Monday to arrange himself for the upcoming Tokyo Video games.
“…Neeraj Chopra’s journey plan to France has been delayed by few days as India is presently positioned as a high-risk nation with COVID-19 an infection and thus an individual travelling to France requires an inside authorisation letter issued by French Inside Ministry to journey,” the Sports activities Authority of India (SAI) stated in a press release.
“Although Neeraj and his workforce bought their visa on Friday, he’s but to get the above-mentioned authorisation letter.
“Accordingly, his journey plans have been rescheduled and SAI is in common contact with officers of MEA, who’re additional pursuing the matter with the Indian Embassy in Paris. The required authorisation letter by the French inside ministry is anticipated quickly,” it added.
Nevertheless, an Athletics Federation of India supply stated that he will likely be leaving on Thursday.
“He’s nonetheless right here and can go on Thursday,” the supply informed PTI.
The reigning Commonwealth and Asian Video games champion, will first journey to France for a coaching stint after which attain Sweden.
He will likely be accompanied by biomechanics skilled Dr Klaus Bartonietz and physiotherapist Isaan Marwaha in the course of the tour.
The 2018 Jakarta Asian Video games champion had stated final week that he has bought a visa to journey to France.
“Granted visa to journey to France. I’m very blissful that I get an opportunity to compete in worldwide competitions earlier than #Tokyo2020,” he had tweeted.
Chopra, who has damaged his personal nationwide file with a throw of 88.07m in Patiala within the Indian GP three in March, is anticipated to take part in some prime class occasions in Sweden and different components of Europe earlier than the Tokyo Olympics.
He had certified for the Olympics with a throw of 87.86m, which bettered the qualifying mark of 85m, on the South African home match in Potchefstroom in January final yr.