Neeraj Chopra's Coach Joins Him at Commonwealth Games on His Own Dime
Jaiveer Chaudhary Supports Neeraj Chopra at Commonwealth Games
On Thursday, inside the Scotstoun Stadium, Jaiveer Chaudhary, the personal coach of Neeraj Chopra, was present to assist his star athlete in qualifying for the final round of the Commonwealth Games. Chaudhary made the trip at his own expense, as he was not part of the official Indian team for this multi-sport event.
The Indian athletics team, consisting of 32 members and led by Chopra, included five coaches, two physiotherapists, and a doctor, along with two medical professionals. However, Chaudhary was not among the support staff approved by the sports ministry, which is headed by coach Radhakrishnan Nair.
Sources from the Indian team indicated that Chaudhary, who has been instrumental in Chopra's development, traveled from Bienne, Switzerland, where Chopra had been training prior to the Games.
Chaudhary was spotted in the coaches' designated area, sitting alongside Nair, positioned a short distance from where the javelin throwers began their run-ups.
A source confirmed, "Yes, he (Jaiveer) is here at his own cost. He was not included in the contingent approved by the Ministry. The Indian Olympic Association facilitated his accreditation and access to the Field of Play."
Chopra, along with teammates Rohit Yadav and Yashvir Singh, successfully advanced to the men's javelin throw final after placing in the top 12 during the qualification round, despite challenging winds that hindered athletes from reaching the automatic qualifying mark.
Chopra, who clinched the javelin throw title in 2018, achieved a fifth-place finish with a throw of 79.61m. Rohit and Yashvir secured ninth and tenth places, respectively, with throws of 78.37m and 78.36m, ensuring a complete Indian presence in the medal round.
Chopra, who was the last to throw in each round, opted not to take his third and final attempt since he had already qualified for the final by that point.
As previously reported, personal coaches have not been included in the official contingent. The ministry clarified that any requests for personal coaches would be evaluated based on their significant contributions and ongoing involvement in an athlete's development, but they would not be permitted beyond the sanctioned team, even at no cost to the government.