The reason behind Chopra’s absence from the list remains unclear.
On July 9, event organisers had confirmed the participation of the two-time Olympic medallist from India and Pakistan’s Paris Games gold medallist, sparking excitement for a high-voltage duel between the South Asian rivals. However, late last month, Nadeem underwent calf muscle surgery in England, casting doubt over his availability and ultimately putting an end to the much-anticipated showdown.
The top-class field in Silesia has familiar names in Julian Weber of Germany, Anderson Peters of Grenada, Julius Yego of Kenya and Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago as well as the likes of Dean Roderick Genki of Japan, Andrian Mardare of Moldova and Mrzygold Cyprian of Poland.
Even without taking part in Silesia, as well as in the Brussels leg of the Diamond League on August 22, Chopra is likely to qualify for the winner-take-all DL Finals in Zurich on August 28.
With 15 points from two DL meetings, from one title and one second place finish, Chopra is at joint top spot with Weber while Anderson and Walcott are joint third with 10 points each. The top six after the Brussels leg will make it to the DL Finals in Zurich. Chopra’s last competition was at the NC Classic on July 5 in Bengaluru where he threw 86.18m to win the title of the event he himself hosted. The 27-year-old reigning world champion went past the coveted 90m mark in the Doha DL in May with a throw of 90.23m but finished second behind Weber. He then won the Paris DL title with a throw of 88.16m in June.
Chopra will defend the title at the World Championships to be held in Tokyo from September 13-21.