Asian Games Controversy: Neeraj Chopra accuses Chinese authorities of mismanagement at his game

While the game only allows six throws, World Champion Neeraj Chopra was given seven due to the alleged mismanagement by Chinese authorities who were measuring his first throw at the Asian Games 2023 held in Hangzhou.

In addition, not just Chopra but his companion Kishore Kumar Jena also had his second throw invalidated for crossing the line though the decision was later reversed.

When asked if the officials gave any reason for not measuring his first throw, Chopra said, "One of the officials said the second athlete after me had taken his throw quickly. It was a bizarre situation."


"I think they lost my landing mark and they kept on looking for it," the gold medalist further said.

"Our team should certainly look into why there are so many issues we are facing, I have never seen these kinds of things in big competitions. I, or some other athlete, could have been mentally down after the first throw," Chopra said on the allegations.

"I am told that it was a very good throw, probably 87-88m. Mentally, you feel relieved if your first throw is very good. Later, they told me I would be given another throw for the first attempt," said Chopra.

Mismanagement Claims
Due to technical difficulties, Neeraj Chopra's first throw of around 85m was considered void leading to a 15-minute delay and extensive discussions.

Along with Chopra, his companion Kishore Kumar Jena also had his second throw invalidated for crossing the line but the decision was later reversed.

Veteran Anju Bobby George, senior vice president of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) supported Neeraj Chopra by further accusing Chinese officials of "deliberately targeting the Indians."

"They are trying to cheat us and trying to disturb our athletes. Neeraj's first throw was a very good throw and it was a kind of disturbance. We called Neeraj to protest there itself. Jena's throw was also called foul when he was one foot behind the line," the legendary long jumper alleged.

Anju reckons that winning in China is difficult as their officials are always up for some "mischief" to disturb the athletes.

Chopra cited several other instances of alleged "cheating", including the red-carding of 100m hurdler Jyothi Yarraji for a false start before her medal was upgraded from bronze to silver, and not measuring Annu Rani's throw.

"I felt bad that my first throw in such a big competition went like that. Jyothi ki saath bhi aisa huwa, mere saath garbar huwa hey. Jena ka ek throw mey bhi huwa. So there were issues, but finally, I would say our results were good. Despite whatever has been done, we have shown that we came prepared.

India's star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra on Wednesday won a gold medal in the Asian Games with a massive throw of 88.88m along with Kishore Jena who won the silver medal with 87.45m.

(With agency inputs)