Neeraj Chopra Breaks Silence After Silver Medal: 'I'm Still Not at 100%'—Reveals Why He Missed Gold

India's Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra admitted that he is still not 100% fit after clinching the silver medal in the men's javelin throw at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Despite recording a season-best throw of 85.83 metres, the star athlete said he could not perform at his peak due to his ongoing recovery from injury.

Neeraj emphasized that returning after an injury is mentally challenging and that he is gradually working towards regaining his best form ahead of the Asian Games and other major international competitions.

Neeraj Chopra Wins Silver With Season-Best Throw

Neeraj Chopra finished second in the men's javelin throw event with a season-best effort of 85.83 metres, earning India a silver medal.

Although satisfied with improving his season's performance, the two-time Olympic medallist admitted that he expected more from himself and believes there is still significant room for improvement.

'I Could Have Done Better'

Speaking after the event, Neeraj said he felt he was capable of producing a longer throw but struggled to find the right rhythm during the competition.

He said he was happy that India secured two medals in the event, with young javelin thrower Yashvir Singh also reaching the podium.

"I'm very happy that Yashvir won a medal too. It's always special when two Indian athletes stand on the podium together. I achieved my season-best throw, and my comeback is moving in the right direction. I will try to do even better in the upcoming competitions."

Neeraj Praises Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga

Neeraj also congratulated Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga, who won the gold medal with an impressive performance.

Acknowledging the champion's effort, Neeraj said:

"Tharanga produced a magnificent throw. I felt I could have done a bit better, but I couldn't find the right line. Maybe I don't perform as well in cold weather—I prefer the heat because I have Indian blood."

His light-hearted remark drew smiles while reflecting on the challenging weather conditions in Glasgow.

'I'm Still Not 100 Percent Fit'

The Indian star revealed that he is still recovering from injury and has not regained complete fitness.

According to Neeraj, athletes returning from injury often deal with both physical limitations and mental hesitation.

"I cannot say that I'm back to my previous fitness level. When you're fully fit, you feel capable of achieving anything. After an injury, there's always a little fear. Sometimes you want to give everything, and at other times you hold yourself back. It's a mixed feeling."

He added that every competition is helping him regain confidence and rhythm.

Focus Shifts to Upcoming Major Championships

Neeraj said his priority is to continue improving with every event and return to his peak condition before major tournaments, including the Asian Games and other global competitions.

His performance in Glasgow, despite not being at full fitness, is being viewed as a positive sign for Indian athletics as the country's biggest medal hope continues his comeback journey.