Czech Legend Zelezny Comes on Board as Neeraj Chopra's Coach Ahead of 2025 Season

 Star Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra on Saturday roped in Jan Zelezny, one of greatest sport has produced, as coach to help prepare him for upcoming season.

Zelezny, 58, is widely considered greatest javelin thrower of modern era and is a world and Olympic champion. He also holds record in event.

Neeraj, after becoming first Indian athlete to win a gold at Tokyo Olympics , finished second best at 2024 Paris Games.

"Double Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra, on Saturday, anunced start of an exciting new chapter in his career, partnering with javelin legend Jan Zelezny, who comes on board as his new coach. Zelezny, a three-time Olympic and world champion and current world record holder, has long been an idol to Chopra," said a statement.

Neeraj was a great mirer of Zelezny in his formative days and watched Czech legend's videos to hone his skills.

Chopra h been working with German biomechanics expert Klaus Bartonietz, who also doubled up as his coach, since 2019.

"Growing up, I mired Jan's technique and precision and spent a lot of time watching videos of him. He was best in sport for so many years, and I believe that working with him will be invaluable because our throwing styles are similar, and his kwledge is unmatched. It’s an hour to have Jan by my side as I push towards next level in my career, and I can’t wait to get started," said Neeraj.

Neeraj, who has t crossed 90m mark in competition so far, would be er to break 'barrier' and Zelezny's experience could come in handy.

"Under Zelezný's guidance, Neeraj is er to deepen his technical mastery and build on successes that have defined his career. collaboration also symbolises a fusion of generations, with young champion drawing inspiration and expertise from what many consider greatest javelin thrower of all time,"said statement.

Zelezný's expressed his happiness, saying he was always looking forward to train Indian star as he still has a lot of potential.

"I have alrey spoken about Neeraj as a great talent many years ago. When I saw him early in his career, I realised great possibilities for top results. I also said that if I should start to coach somebody from outside Czechia (Republic), my first choice would be Neeraj," said Zelezny, gold medallist at 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, who has five of top-10 best throws of all time.

"I like his story and I see big potential, as he is young and able to improve. re have been many athletes contacting me for coaching, so for me to take this up means that it is a great hour to have him in my team. We are getting to kw each or more closely and will start in person at a tritional winter camp in South Africa. I believe in his progress, especially in technical aspect, so that he can continue achieving top positions at main championships." He also broke world record on four occasions en route to claiming current undisputed mark of 98.48m, in Germany, in 1996.

legend has also coached rewned javelin exponents like Jakub Vlejch (Tokyo silver), Vítezslav Vesely (bronze) and two-time Olympic champion and three-time world champion Barbora Špotakova.