Neeraj Chopra parts ways with coach Jan Zelezny

New Delhi: Two-time Olympic medalist javelin throw star Neeraj Chopra on Saturday announced that he is ending his partnership with Czech coach Jan Zelezny after just one season, which the Indian said was marked by “progress, respect and shared love for the sport”.

Chopra did not specify the reason for finishing the race with Zelezny, who holds the world record and is a true legend of the sport, under whose tutelage Haryana broke the 90 meters mark last year.

Reflecting on her studies, Chopra said that learning directly from an athlete she had admired since childhood was a dream come true, giving her a whole new “toolbox of exercises, technical ideas and new perspectives.”
“Working with Jan opened my eyes to so many new ideas. The way she thinks about technique, rhythm and movement is incredible, and I learned so much from every session we did together,” Chopra said.

“What I am most proud of is the friendship I have formed with someone who has been my idol my whole life. Jan is not only the best javelin thrower of all time, but also one of the best people I have ever met,” he added.

Zelezny, 59, also spoke warmly about the partnership and the progress they have made together.
“It was a great experience to work with an athlete like Neeraj. I’m glad we met and were able to work together because I convinced him to break the 90 meters barrier for the first time. “He had his worst second place finish outside the World Championships and that’s not a bad record. “Unfortunately, the back injury suffered 12 days before Tokyo significantly affected his chances,” he said.

Zelezny said Chopra has great potential for the coming years.

“Our relationship is also very positive from a human perspective and we will continue to stay in touch, we will definitely meet at a training camp or, for example, on vacation with our families in Europe or India,” Zelezny said. he said.

Chopra said he plans to take the lead in shaping his own coaching direction going forward.

“I’m looking forward to what 2026 will bring. I started my preparations at the beginning of November. As always, the goal is to stay healthy and I’m already excited to race again soon,” Chopra said.

“I’m also looking specifically at this year with the 2027 World Championships and the biggest goal beyond that is the 2028 Olympic Games,” he added.

Chopra finished the world race in eighth place after reaching a height of 90 meters in the Doha Diamond League last year.