New Delhi: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) granted an urgent petition on Friday that will allow Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Neeraj Chopra to go to the United States for a 90-day off-season training camp at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Centre ahead of the hectic 2022 season.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) proposed the change, which was confirmed within four hours, allowing Chopra to fly out on Sunday (December 5). According to a press statement from SAI, it happened because the idea to base the javelin throwers in Potchefstroom was shelved due to the new COVID-19 strain in South Africa.
Soon, the sports body would seek affirmation of the decision at the next meeting of the MOC on this saga.
SAI gives speedy approval to enable Neeraj Chopra’s off-season training in USA
Details: https://t.co/ecCIlGauWD@Media_SAI @ianuragthakur @tapasjournalist pic.twitter.com/zmpP0nzCV1— DD News (@DDNewslive) December 3, 2021
Chopra will begin his preparations for the 2022 World Athletics Championships, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games in Chula Vista, San Diego.
The proposed period for the 90-day programme are December 5 to March 4 of the following year. It will aid him in his preparation for the gruelling season ahead, which includes the World Championships in Oregon, the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, and the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Chopra, who made history by becoming India’s first medalist in Olympic track and field sports when he won gold in the javelin throw at Tokyo 2020, will fly to the United States alongside coach Klaus Bartonietz.
