Neeraj Chopra Heads to Switzerland as India Steps Up Olympic Preparations

India’s preparations for a packed 2026 sporting calendar have intensified, with the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) approving a series of foreign training programs for elite athletes, headlined by Neeraj Chopra’s extended camp in Switzerland.

At its 173rd meeting, the MOC cleared Chopra’s request for a 47-day off-season training stint at the Olympic Training Centre in Bienne, scheduled from May 25 to July 10. The decision comes at a critical juncture, with the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya fast approaching.

For Neeraj Chopra, the Switzerland camp represents more than just routine preparation it is part of a carefully planned return following a back injury. Currently undergoing rehabilitation in Turkiye, the two-time Olympic medallist will use this period to rebuild fitness, refine technique, and regain competitive rhythm ahead of two major multi-sport events.

The timing of the camp is strategic.

Ending just under two weeks before the Commonwealth Games (July 23–August 2), it allows Chopra to transition from training into competition mode without a long break. The Asian Games, scheduled from September 19 to October 4, will follow soon after, making continuity in preparation essential. Chopra’s track record in these events adds further significance. He won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and has dominated the Asian Games with consecutive gold medals in 2018 and 2022.

Replicating that success will depend not just on peak performance, but on managing fitness and workload effectively something this structured training block aims to address.

Chopra will not train alone. He will be accompanied by his long-time physiotherapist Ishaan Marwaha and coach Jai Choudhary, ensuring continuity in both technical guidance and injury management. The proposal approved by the MOC covers all essential aspects of the training camp, including travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and logistical requirements such as extra baggage for javelins and treatment equipment.

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Additionally, an out-of-pocket allowance of USD 25 per day has been sanctioned for the duration of the camp. This comprehensive support reflects the importance placed on Chopra as one of India’s most consistent medal prospects on the global stage.

Manu Bhaker: Precision Training in Italy

Alongside Chopra, the MOC also approved a foreign training stint for pistol shooter Manu Bhaker. The 24-year-old, a double Olympic medallist from Paris 2024, will train in Lucca, Italy, from May 13 to 22. She will be accompanied by her coach Jaspal Rana and physiotherapist Snehil Khurana.

For Bhaker, this camp is focused on fine-tuning precision and consistency ahead of the Asian Games, where she is expected to compete in both the 10m air pistol and 25m pistol events. Training in Europe offers access to world-class facilities and competitive environments, allowing athletes to simulate high-pressure conditions similar to major international events.

Gulveer Singh: Building Endurance in the USA

Long-distance runner Gulveer Singh is another beneficiary of the MOC’s push for international exposure. The Asian Games bronze medallist will travel to the United States from May 15 to June 17, where he will combine training with competition exposure. Gulveer is scheduled to compete in races in Los Angeles and Nashville, providing him with an opportunity to test himself against high-level competition.

Having already established himself with gold medals in the 5000m and 10,000m at the Asian Championships, this phase of preparation is aimed at bridging the gap between continental success and global competitiveness.

The approvals highlight a broader strategy within India’s high-performance system. Rather than relying solely on domestic training, the focus has shifted towards targeted international exposure training in environments that offer better facilities, stronger competition, and specialised support. Programs like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) play a crucial role in enabling this approach, ensuring that athletes have access to resources required to compete at the highest level.

With the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games forming the immediate targets, these training camps represent a critical phase in India’s build-up.

For Neeraj Chopra, the goal will be to return to peak condition and maintain his dominance in javelin. For Manu Bhaker, it is about precision and consistency under pressure. For Gulveer Singh, it is about endurance and competitiveness on a larger stage.

As India eyes success across disciplines in 2026, the emphasis on structured preparation is evident. The MOC’s decisions reflect a clear understanding medals at major events are often won long before competition begins, through planning, training, and execution.

With key athletes now entering crucial preparation phases, the focus will shift to how effectively these investments translate into performances when it matters most.