In a significant move within the Indian sporting ecosystem, Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra announced on Monday that he has concluded his long-standing partnership with the management firm JSW Sports. This decision brings an end to a fruitful ten-year association that was instrumental in shaping the career of India's most decorated Olympic athlete.
A Decade of Unparalleled Success
The partnership between Neeraj Chopra and JSW Sports began in 2016, when he was first identified through their Sports Excellence Program (SEP). This marked the start of a journey that would redefine Indian athletics on the global stage. Over the next decade, under this management, Neeraj achieved historic milestones that cemented his legacy.
His accolades include becoming the first Indian to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field at the Tokyo 2020 Games. He followed this monumental victory with a gold at the 2023 World Championships and a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, alongside numerous other podium finishes in prestigious international competitions.
Embracing Entrepreneurship with Vel Sports
The end of this partnership coincides with Neeraj Chopra stepping into a new role as an entrepreneur. He is launching his own athlete management firm, named Vel Sports. This move is notable as athletes typically venture into business after retirement, but Neeraj has chosen to initiate this chapter while still at the peak of his athletic career.
Divyanshu Singh, CEO of JSW Sports, expressed pride in their shared journey. "Working with Neeraj has been an incredible experience for all of us at JSW Sports. His success story reflects our shared philosophy of excellence and purpose. We’re immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together and wish him continued success in all his future pursuits," Singh stated.
A Foundation of Mutual Respect and Legacy
Neeraj Chopra reflected on the pivotal role JSW Sports played in his development. "Over the last decade, our journey together has been one of growth, belief, and achievement. JSW Sports has played a defining role in my career, and I’ll always remain grateful for their support and vision. As we conclude this chapter, I carry forward the same values into the next phase of my journey," the champion athlete said.
Both parties have emphasized that the separation is amicable, filled with mutual respect and pride for their collective accomplishments. As Neeraj embarks on building Vel Sports, JSW Sports will continue its mission of nurturing India's promising athletic talent.
The decade-long collaboration leaves behind a powerful legacy of trust, belief, and historic triumphs—a solid foundation that will undoubtedly continue to inspire the future generations of Indian sport.
