India's star javelin thrower and double Olympic medallist, Neeraj Chopra, has officially concluded his professional partnership with his Czech coach, the legendary Jan Zelezny. The announcement came on Saturday, marking the end of a fruitful but brief collaboration that lasted just one season.
A Season of Progress and Mutual Respect
Chopra, who hails from Haryana, described the past year working with Zelezny as one filled with "progress, respect, and a shared love for the sport." While the athlete did not reveal the specific reasons behind the decision to end the stint, he expressed immense gratitude for the experience. The season was notably historic as it was under Zelezny's guidance that Chopra first breached the coveted 90-meter mark in the javelin throw.
For Chopra, learning directly from an idol he has admired since childhood was a dream realized. He credited the Czech legend for equipping him with a completely new "toolbox of exercises, technical ideas, and fresh perspectives." "Working with Jan opened my eyes to so many new ideas," Chopra reflected. "The way he thinks about technique, rhythm, and movement is incredible, and I learned a lot from every single session we had together."
An Enduring Friendship Beyond the Field
Beyond the technical advancements, Chopra emphasized the profound personal bond formed during their partnership. He stated that building a friendship with his lifelong idol was what he cherished most. "Jan is not only the best javelin thrower of all time, but also one of the best human beings I have ever met," the Indian athlete added warmly.
The feeling was mutual, as the 59-year-old Zelezny, who himself holds the world record, also spoke highly of their time together. In a press release, Zelezny called working with Chopra a "great experience" and expressed pride in their joint achievement of breaking the 90-meter barrier. He also pointed to an untimely back injury 12 days before the Tokyo event as a significant factor that affected Chopra's performance, where he finished eighth despite his Doha Diamond League high.
Zelezny remains optimistic about Chopra's future, stating the Indian has "huge potential for the coming years." He assured that their positive relationship would continue, with plans to stay in touch and potentially meet at training camps or family vacations in Europe or India.
Looking Ahead: Chopra Takes the Reins
With this chapter closed, Neeraj Chopra is now looking forward to steering his own coaching and training direction. He has already begun his preparations for the upcoming season in early November. "I'm looking forward to what 2026 has in store," Chopra said. His immediate focus is on staying healthy and returning to competition soon.
However, his sights are firmly set on major future events. "I'm especially looking ahead to the year with the World Championships in 2027, and the big goal beyond that is the Olympic Games in 2028," he declared, outlining his roadmap for the next Olympic cycle. The split, while significant, appears amicable, leaving the path clear for Chopra to build on the foundations laid during his pivotal year with a sporting icon.
