Javelin legend Jan Zelezny appointed as Neeraj Chopra's new Coach

Neeraj Chopra, India's javelin star and two-time Olympic and World Championships medalist, has teamed up with Czech javelin legend Jan Zelezny as he starts training for the upcoming 2025 season. This decision marks a new chapter for Chopra, who made history by winning India's first Olympic gold medal in track and field at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Zelezny, widely regarded as one of the greatest javelin throwers of all time, has set the world record and won three Olympic and World Championships golds. The collaboration between Chopra and Zelezny will focus on technical improvements and refining Chopra's technique as he aims to achieve his ultimate goal: breaking the 90-meter mark in javelin.

Chopra's journey and goals

Chopra, who recently won silver at the Paris Olympics and gold at the Budapest World Championships, is eager to take his career to the next level. After an impressive tenure with former coach Klaus Bartonietz, Chopra is ready for new guidance under Zelezny's expertise. Known for his unique throwing style and precision, Zelezny brings years of experience and success in the sport. Chopra has admired Zelezny's technique since he began his javelin journey, and now, under his mentorship, Chopra is poised to make significant strides.

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Chopra will train with Zelezny in South Africa, where the Czech legend will focus on helping Chopra improve his throwing form and technique. With the upcoming Olympics on the horizon, Chopra hopes to not only meet but exceed his previous records under Zelezny's guidance. 

Zelezny's record and experience

Zelezny, who holds the world record for javelin at 98.48 meters, has been an inspiration to many in the sport, including Chopra. His achievements and coaching experience, having trained Olympians such as Jakub Vadlejch and Barbora Spotakova, make him an ideal coach for Chopra as he seeks to break new records.