India, Jan. 4 -- Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra had a below-par 2025 by his standards. While he began the season with a bang, breaching the 90m-mark for the first time ever, he was unable to defend his World Championships title in Tokyo.

It ended a long streak of podium finishes for the champion javelin thrower. Neeraj said he came into the Tokyo Worlds troubled by a back problem. With the Asian Games scheduled this year, AFI said Neeraj was on track and focussing on his rehab.

"Neeraj is taking a break and recovering from his injuries. He had two injuries. The focus is on rehabilitation," AFI spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla said.

Sumariwalla said Chopra is yet to decide when to open his season and he will decide along with c...