Neeraj Chopra

Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra on Saturday announced that he has parted ways with Czech javelin great Jan Zelezny after one season, bringing to an end a coaching partnership that saw the Indian breach the 90-metre mark for the first time.

Chopra said the association was defined by "progress, respect, and a shared love for the sport." Chopra did not explain the reason for the split with Zelezny, the world record holder and former Olympic champion, under whose guidance the Indian crossed the 90-metre mark for the first time last year.

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Looking back at the stint, Chopra said working with someone he had admired since childhood was a special experience and helped him gain a new understanding of the event, including a wider range of training methods and technical inputs. "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," Chopra said. "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 added. Zelezny also spoke about the time spent working with Chopra and the progress achieved.

"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," Zelezny said in a press release. The 59-year-old said Chopra has strong prospects going forward. "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," Zelezny said. Chopra said he now plans to take greater control of his training plans as he looks ahead to the coming seasons. "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 is the Olympic Games in 2028," he added. Chopra finished eighth at the World Championships after recording his 90-metre throw at the Doha Diamond League last year.