Neeraj Chopra Prepares for Major Competitions with Training Camp in Switzerland
Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has been given the green light for a 47-day training camp in Switzerland as he gears up for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games later this year. The Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) approved this proposal during its 173rd meeting on Wednesday, also granting foreign training opportunities to shooter Manu Bhaker as part of the preparations for the upcoming sports season.
Currently recovering from a back injury in Turkiye, Neeraj will train at the Olympic Training Centre in Bienne, Switzerland, from May 25 to July 10 under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). This training period is critical for the javelin star, given the busy competition schedule ahead.
The Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, while the Asian Games are set for Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4. Neeraj has strong memories from these events, having won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and earning back-to-back gold medals at the Asian Games in 2018 and 2022. After a challenging performance at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where he placed eighth, this training camp is essential for him to regain his form before these significant events.
Neeraj will be joined by his long-time physiotherapist Ishaan Marwaha and coach Jai Choudhary during the camp. The approved plan includes coverage for airfare, accommodation, meals, medical insurance, visa costs, extra baggage for his javelin equipment, and a daily allowance.
A Focused Training Ahead of Important Games
For Neeraj, this camp in Switzerland is not about trying new things, but rather about rebuilding his consistency after facing injuries in the past year. Despite being a prominent name in global athletics, fitness issues have hindered his progress, especially relating to his back, affecting his performance at crucial moments.
With both the Commonwealth and Asian Games coming up soon, he aims to regain his physical and technical rhythm before the international season heats up. Training in Bienne offers Neeraj access to one of Europe’s leading Olympic training facilities, a priority for Indian athletes in recent years.
The timing of the camp is vital; the Commonwealth Games begin just weeks after the training period ends, leaving little room for last-minute adjustments. Given his history of success, Neeraj is expected to be one of India’s top medal hopefuls in these competitions.
Support for Other Athletes: Manu Bhaker and Gulveer Singh
In addition to Neeraj, the MOC has also approved foreign training for double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker. She will travel to Lucca, Italy, from May 13 to 22, accompanied by her coach Jaspal Rana and physiotherapist Snehil Khurana. Bhaker is set to compete in both the women’s 10m air pistol and 25m pistol events at the 2026 Asian Games, where she is considered one of India’s strongest medal chances after her impressive performances in Paris.
Furthermore, long-distance runner Gulveer Singh received approval for a 34-day training trip to the United States from May 15 to June 17. The Asian Games bronze medallist will compete in various elite races in Los Angeles and Nashville during this period, as India aims to enhance its athletes’ training experiences before major international events.
