Chopra parts ways with Czech coach Zelezny

Two-time Olympic medal-winning javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra on Saturday announced an end to his partnership with Czech coach Jan Zelezny after just one season, which the Indian said was marked by "progress, respect and a shared love for the sport." Chopra did not specify the reason for ending the stint with Zelezny, a bonafide legend of the sport who holds the world record and under whose tutelage the Haryana-lad breached the 90m mark last year.

Reflecting on their work, Chopra said that to learn directly from an athlete he had admired since childhood was a dream come true and gave him a completely new "toolbox of exercises, technical ideas, and fresh perspectives".

"Working with Jan opened my eyes to so many new ideas. The way he thinks about technique, rhythm and movement is incredible, and I learned a lot from every single session we had together. What I'm most proud about is the friendship I've built with someone who has been my idol all my life. Jan is not only the best javelin thrower of all time, but also one of the best human beings I have ever met," he said.

The 59-year-old Zelezny also reflected warmly on the partnership and the progress they made together. "Working with an athlete like Neeraj was a great experience. I'm glad we met and were able to work together, that I got him to break the 90-metre barrier for the first time. Apart from the World Championships, he finished at worst second and that is not a bad record. Unfortunately, the back injury 12 days before Tokyo significantly affected his chances," he said in a press release.

Zelezny said Chopra has huge potential in the coming years. "Our relationship is very positive also on the human side and we will continue to stay in touch. We will definitely meet at some training camp or, for example, on vacation with our families in Europe or India," he said.

Looking ahead, Chopra said he plans to take the lead in shaping his own coaching direction. "I'm looking forward to what 2026 has in store. I started my preparation in early November. As always, the goal is to stay healthy, and I am already excited to be competing again soon," Chopra said.

"At the same time, I'm especially looking ahead to the year with the World Championships in 2027, and the big goal beyond that are the Olympic Games in 2028," said Chopra, who had finished eighth in the world event after the 90m-high achieved in the Doha Diamond League last year.