Neeraj Chopra’s trip to France has been delayed: SAI

The 23-year-old Indian, Star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra who hasn’t partook in any occasion since qualifying for the Olympics in March a year ago, was initially set to leave for France on Monday to set himself up for the forthcoming Tokyo Games. His itinerary has hit the road obstruction after the prevailing Commonwealth and Asian Games champion is yet to get an inside authorisation letter from the French Interior Ministry.

In a statement The Sports Authority of India (SAI) informed: “Neeraj Chopra’s travel plans to France has been delayed by few days as India is currently placed as a high-risk country with Covid-19 infection and thus a person traveling to France requires an internal authorization letter (Laissez-passer) issued by French Interior Ministry to travel.”

It further added “Even though Neeraj and his team got their visa on Friday, he is yet to get the above-mentioned authorization letter. Accordingly, his travel plans have been rescheduled and SAI is in regular touch with officials of MEA, who are further pursuing the matter with the Indian Embassy in Paris. The required authorization letter by the French interior ministry is expected soon.”

“Granted visa to travel to France. I am very happy that I am getting a chance to compete in international competitions before #Tokyo2020. I’m thankful to @PMOIndia @DrSJaishankar @KirenRijiju @IndiaSports @Media_SAI @afiindia for making this happen,” Neeraj Chopra had tweeted.