India’s Olympic and World Championships javelin star Neeraj Chopra has officially parted ways with legendary Czech coach Jan Zelezny, marking the end of a short but impactful partnership. The announcement comes as Chopra prepares for a comeback after recovering from a back injury and begins planning his road to the 2026 season, World Championships 2027, and the 2028 Olympics.
The decision was confirmed on January 10, 2026, with both athlete and coach reflecting positively on their time together.
Neeraj Chopra and Jan Zelezny End Coaching Partnership
Neeraj Chopra began training under Jan Zelezny, widely regarded as the greatest javelin thrower of all time, after the 2024 Paris Olympics. Their collaboration helped Chopra achieve a long-cherished milestone — breaking the 90-metre barrier for the first time in his career.
Despite the separation, Chopra emphasized that the split was amicable and rooted in mutual respect rather than performance concerns.
“Working with Jan opened my eyes to so many new ideas,” Chopra said in a statement quoted by PTI. “The way he thinks about technique, rhythm, and movement is incredible.”
The partnership may have been brief, but its technical impact on Chopra’s throwing mechanics was significant.
Chopra Credits Zelezny for Technical Growth
Speaking warmly about his former coach, Chopra highlighted how Zelezny helped him evolve as an athlete beyond just distance.
“What I’m most proud of is the friendship I’ve built with someone who has been my idol all my life,” Chopra said. “Jan is not only the best javelin thrower of all time, but also one of the best human beings I have ever met.”
Under Zelezny’s guidance, Chopra refined his rhythm and release, culminating in a 90.23m throw at the 2025 Doha Diamond League, a landmark moment in Indian athletics.
Jan Zelezny Reflects on Coaching Neeraj Chopra
Jan Zelezny also shared his thoughts on the partnership, calling it a rewarding experience.
“Working with an athlete like Neeraj was a great experience,” Zelezny said. “I’m glad we met and were able to work together, that I got him to break the 90-metre barrier for the first time.”
Zelezny noted that Chopra’s overall results during their stint were impressive, with the Tokyo World Championships being the only major setback due to injury.
“Apart from the World Championships in Tokyo, he finished at worst second. That is not a bad record,” he added.
Back Injury Affected Chopra’s 2025 World Championships Campaign
Chopra’s medal hopes at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo were derailed by a back injury sustained just days before the event. The injury forced him to compete below full fitness, resulting in an eighth-place finish, an uncharacteristic result for the reigning global star.
The setback played a role in Chopra reassessing his training structure and long-term planning, eventually leading to the decision to part ways with Zelezny.
A Look at Neeraj Chopra’s Coaching Journey
Over the years, Neeraj Chopra has trained under several elite international coaches:
- Gary Calvert (Australia) – Early career development (2016–17)
- Uwe Hohn (Germany) – Technical refinement phase
- Klaus Bartonietz (Germany) – Golden era (2019–2024)
- Jan Zelezny (Czech Republic) – Post-Paris Olympics phase
It was under Klaus Bartonietz that Chopra achieved his greatest successes, including:
- Tokyo Olympics 2021 – Gold
- World Championships 2022 – Silver
- World Championships 2023 – Gold
- Paris Olympics 2024 – Silver
The Bartonietz-Chopra partnership ended after Paris 2024, paving the way for Zelezny’s brief but meaningful involvement.
What’s Next for Neeraj Chopra?
While Chopra has not yet announced his next coach, he confirmed that preparations for the 2026 season began in early November.
“I’m looking forward to what 2026 has in store,” Chopra said. “As always, the goal is to stay healthy.”
Chopra made it clear that his long-term vision extends beyond immediate competitions, with eyes firmly set on:
- World Championships 2027
- Olympic Games 2028 in Los Angeles
Staying injury-free and maintaining peak physical condition remain his top priorities.
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