Neeraj Chopra Ends Coaching Relationship with Jan Zelezny

Neeraj Chopra, the celebrated Indian javelin thrower, has concluded his coaching relationship with Jan Zelezny after a year marked by mixed competitive outcomes. Despite the split, both athletes expressed mutual respect and gratitude for their time together. Neeraj reflected on the valuable lessons learned and the friendship formed, while Zelezny highlighted the achievement of Neeraj breaking the 90-meter barrier. As they part ways, Neeraj looks ahead to new coaching opportunities, having previously been guided by Dr. Klaus Bartonietz. This transition marks a significant moment in Neeraj's athletic journey as he aims for future successes.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 10, 2026, 19:22 IST

Neeraj Chopra and Jan Zelezny Part Ways

Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, a two-time Olympic medalist, has officially ended his coaching relationship with Jan Zelezny, as reported by a sports news outlet.

After a year of collaboration that yielded mixed results in competitions, both athletes decided to part ways amicably. The specific reasons for their separation have not been disclosed.

Respectful Farewell

Neeraj expressed gratitude for the insights gained during his time with Zelezny, stating, "Working with Jan introduced me to numerous innovative concepts. His approach to technique, rhythm, and movement is remarkable, and I learned immensely from each session we shared."

He also emphasized the pride he feels in having developed a friendship with someone he has admired throughout his life, saying, "I cherish the bond we've formed. Jan is not only the greatest javelin thrower ever but also one of the finest individuals I've encountered."

Zelezny's Reflections

Zelezny reminisced about the moment Chopra first surpassed the 90-meter mark, stating, "Collaborating with an athlete like Neeraj was a rewarding experience. I'm pleased we crossed paths and worked together, enabling him to break the 90-meter barrier for the first time."

He added that their relationship remains strong, both professionally and personally, and they plan to stay in touch, potentially meeting at training camps or family vacations in Europe or India.

Coaching Changes and Future Plans

Initially, Neeraj and Zelezny were expected to work together until the conclusion of the 2026 season. Before Zelezny, Neeraj was coached by Dr. Klaus Bartonietz, a German biomechanics expert, who led him to a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and a silver at the Paris 2024 Olympics, along with a World Championships title in 2023.

Neeraj transitioned to Zelezny's coaching after Bartonietz retired due to age-related reasons towards the end of 2024.

Performance Overview

Throughout their partnership, Zelezny implemented several technical modifications to Neeraj's throwing technique, which enabled him to achieve the 90-meter milestone for the first time during the 2025 Doha Diamond League in May.

Under Zelezny's guidance, Neeraj also secured victories at the Paris Diamond League, Ostrava Golden Spike, and the inaugural NC Classic held in India. He finished as the runner-up at both the Janusz Kusocinski Memorial and the Diamond League Final.

However, Neeraj faced challenges at the Tokyo World Championships, where he finished eighth while dealing with a back injury, ultimately deciding to conclude his season to prioritize recovery.