Neeraj Chopra and the legendary Javelin athlete Jan Železný

Czech World Record Holder Comes On Board As Chopra’s New Coach Ahead Of 2025 Season

INN/New Delhi, @Infodeaofficial

On Saturday, double Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra announced the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career. He will be working with legendary javelin thrower Jan Železný as his new coach. Chopra has long admired Železný, the current world record holder and three-time Olympic and world champion.

The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will pay Železný’s wages. As a child, I spent a lot of time studying movies of Jan because I respected his skill and accuracy. Because of our comparable throwing styles and his unparalleled knowledge, I think working with him will be really beneficial. He was the best in the sport for a long time. Having Jan by my side as I strive to advance in my career is an honour, and I am eager to get started,” Chopra remarked.

Neeraj is keen to improve his technical proficiency and build on the accomplishments that have characterised his career under Železný’s tutelage. Working together also represents a merging of generations, as the youthful champion takes knowledge and inspiration from the guy who is widely regarded as the best javelin thrower of all time.

“Many years ago, I mentioned Neeraj as a tremendous talent. Early in his career, I saw that he had a lot of potential for success. I added that Neeraj would be my first pick if I were to begin coaching someone from outside of Czechia. I admire his tale and think he has a lot of promise because he’s still young and can get better. Many sportsmen have reached out to me for coaching, so it is a huge honour for me to accept and have him on my team. We will begin in person at a traditional winter camp in South Africa as we get to know one another better.

I have faith in his development, particularly in the technical area, so he can keep placing highly at the major championships,” Železný stated. Železný, who won gold in the 1992, 1996, and 2000 Olympic Games, has five of the top ten throws in history. He broke the world record four times before setting the now-undisputed record of 98.48 meters in 1996 in Germany.

When Chopra won gold in Tokyo 2020, Jan was coach of two other medallists, Jakub Vadlejch (silver) and Vítězslav Veselý (bronze). Jan has also coached Barbora Špotáková, a three-time world champion and two-time Olympic champion.