Star Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has revealed his decision to conclude his stint with javelin legend and coach Jan Zelezny. Speaking at a Wanda Diamond League press conference in Doha on Thursday, Chopra clarified that the split was due to logistical and practical factors, not performance-related reasons.
Why the Change?
Chopra explained that while working with the three-time Olympic champion helped him achieve the 90-metre mark, Zelezny's training methods required extended training blocks in a single location. This commitment became increasingly difficult for the Indian star to maintain. After the World Championships in Tokyo last year, both coach and athlete agreed it was the right time to move in a different direction.
"I worked with Jan Zelezny. He was a great athlete and a really good coach. But we worked on a few things. I'm happy that I broke the 90m barrier with Zelezny. Last year, after Tokyo, because we work on very specific things, I had to stay in one place all season. That was a little bit impossible for me. Then we decided, after Tokyo, okay, maybe I need to work with my ideas," Neeraj said.
Return to Familiar Setup
Chopra has now returned to a more familiar setup, one that offers greater flexibility and aligns more closely with his natural throwing style. He is now working with an Indian coach who has been his mentor since he started javelin.
"Now I work with the Indian coach. He's my senior. When I started javelin, I started with him. He knows my story from the last 15-16 years. Now we work on my technique. We are not working on anything specific, very deep, anything. I'm working on my natural technique. I was talking to him, like, okay, let's start training together. And he knows my training plans and everything. Now we work together, and my physio is always with me. He's been with me for the last 8-9 years. I have a good team. I feel very good," he added.
Focus on Natural Technique
By returning to a coach who has closely followed his development over the years, Chopra is placing his trust in a more familiar support system. The focus is less on overhauling his technique and more on sharpening the natural attributes that have already made him an Olympic and world champion, with the backing of a trusted team around him.
Upcoming Return
The Olympic champion is set to make his highly anticipated return at the Doha Diamond League 2026 today after an extended spell on the sidelines due to a lower back injury. The men's javelin throw event at the Qatar Sports Club is scheduled to begin at 11:14 PM IST.
