Paperwork, lack of quarantine clarity delay javelin ace Neeraj Chopra's Europe departure

NEW DELHI: Star Indian javelin-thrower Neeraj Chopra's expected departure on Tuesday for a training-cum-competition stint in Europe has been delayed due to paperwork and clarity over quarantine requirement after arrival.
After the efforts of Athletics Federation of India (AFI), Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Neeraj secured a Schengen visa to train and compete in France and Sweden.

However, sources told Timesofindia.com that Neeraj couldn't fly on Tuesday due to delay in some paperwork and clarity over hard or soft quarantine upon arrival in France.
"There shouldn't be any confusion over quarantine upon arrival in France. Plus, there was a letter pending from the French authorities. Once all that is in place, he will take the next available flight," said a source closer to the development.
Travelling with Neeraj will be biomechanics expert Dr Klaus Bartonietz and physiotherapist Isaan Marwaha.
Another source, however, confirmed that all things are now in order and a flight for Thursday has been booked. But AFI president Adille Sumariwalla said he has no details yet about Neeraj's departure.
The source in the know said that Neeraj will now be travelling on Thursday and will serve a quarantine for 11 days, but it will be a soft quarantine.
But when contacted, AFI chief Sumariwalla said he is "not sure".
"No, I don't (have any update). I will give you, but I am not giving it to you now because I am not sure of the flight (details)," he said.
According to the latest coronavirus-related travel advice from the French Government for foreign nationals from 16 countries, including India, "...You can only enter France (including French overseas territories) if you have pressing grounds for travel."
It adds: "You must comply with health check measures to enter France (RT PCR test and sworn declaration). You will be subject to a compulsory 10-day quarantine."
Those entering France also need to carry "an exempted international travel certificate for travel to France. This certificate includes the list of exemptions."
Neeraj qualified for the Tokyo Olympics in March last year in South Africa, but since then hasn't competed internationally.
The Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medallist has already arrived in Delhi from his training base, NIS Patiala.