You could well call it a coup of sorts. Superstar javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra will train with legend Jan Zelezny from 2025. The last few days have seen a flurry of activities on social media, first with Neeraj posting an emotional message for his outgoing coach Klaus Bartonietz. The German was more than a coach to the Indian legend as he guided him through highs than lows. It saw Neeraj win two Olympic medals – gold in Tokyo and silver in Paris 2024.
There was a speculation that Neeraj and his coach were parting ways. For all those who have read the athlete’s post, it was emotional and reverential, which defines Neeraj as a person. Klaus is 75, has spent years away from his family and wanted to return to Germany. The video of Neeraj hugging him and playfully joking with him told a story of how the duo had prepared for campaigns not only at the Olympics, but also the Asian Games and important World Athletics events. Most recently, Neeraj had finished second in the WANDA Diamond League finals.
Even before Klaus had officially left, Neeraj suggested at a few media interactions in India, he needed to find a new coach who could take him to the next level. Zelezny has won four Olympic medals. Born in erstwhile Czechoslovakia, which later broke into the Czech and Slovak Republics, Zelezny is respected for his medals at the Olympics – one silver and three gold – plus what he achieved with the javelin in the big-ticket World Championships. Sample this, he threw the javelin to a distance of 98.48 metres in 1996. Nobody has gotten near that mark in the last 28 years.
Recently, at the Paris Olympics, when Ashraf Nadeem crossed the 90-metre mark more than once, it was seen as phenomenal. Yet, when one compares 92.97 metres for gold from Nadeem with what Zelezny achieved, he is expected to guide the Indian to greater heights. Interestingly, the first press release came from the Czechia athletics association where Zelezny was more than happy to announce he would be working with an athlete (Neeraj) he has admired.
Way back, when Neeraj met Zelezny in 2017, he had posted on social media how happy he was to come face to face with someone he had idolised. Neeraj had even mentioned how he had seen videos of Zelezny’s technique and the way he threw the javelin so beautifully. Now, it is like a mutual admiration club, where Zelezny will be hands-on with Neeraj. There is a catch, though, as Zelezny has committed to only two years. For athletics buffs in India, Neeraj can go full tilt at a third Olympic medal in 2028 at the Los Angeles Olympics.
What they do not understand is, Neeraj has battled fitness issues, the latest being a groin injury. He competed with it through the 2024 season. Neeraj is headed to South Africa for an off-season training camp, where the focus will be on strength and conditioning. The big picture will be the 2025 World Championships, to be held in Tokyo from September 13 to 21. Neeraj and Zelezny will have ample time to prepare for it. The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Asian Games in the same year in Nagoya will also be important for Neeraj. The way talk has centred around when the Indian can hit the 90-metre mark, Zelezny may well be the best to guide him.
As long as Neeraj was with Klaus, the relationship was one of massive respect. For those who had heard Neeraj speaking on his return from Paris, he had hinted, to go to the next level, he would need a new coach. So, Neeraj and the think-tank, comprising the Athletics Federation of India and the Sports Authority of India, had done their homework well. Zelezny coaching Neeraj from 2025 has, surprisingly, upset a few throwers back home in Czechia. There is a speculation that a few like Jakub Valdejch may opt out of the centre where Zelezny will be guiding Neeraj, along with a few more javelin maestros. It is well-known, the ‘throw’ events are very technical in nature. So, there may be a few Czechia elite javelin throwers who will feel pressure as Neeraj can get better.
Despite the Indian superstar winning two Olympic medals, social media has pointed out certain areas where Neeraj can improve, like his follow-through after the javelin is released. Some of them have attached videos and split images to support how Neeraj can get better. For the record, the SAI will foot the coaching bill of Neeraj’s coach, Zelezny.