Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra, known for his record-breaking throws and consistent global performances, will soon join a training group led by Czech javelin icon Jan Zelezny, the Czech Athletics Federation announced on Friday. The upcoming winter training will mark Chopra’s collaboration with Zelezny, a triple Olympic gold medallist and one of the most decorated figures in the sport.
The 26-year-old Chopra, who clinched Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021 and recently secured a silver medal at the World Championships in Paris, reached out to Zelezny weeks ago, expressing interest in training under his guidance.
Jan Zelezny High Praise for Neeraj Chopra
Zelezny, a javelin legend who won Olympic gold in 1992, 1996, and 2000, with a silver medal in Seoul in 1988, shared his admiration for Chopra’s potential. “That made me happy because I had already talked about him as a great talent many years ago, at the beginning of his career,” he remarked on the Czech Athletics Federation’s website.
Zelezny, now 58, has announced his plan to coach Chopra and his group only for the next two years, a period that aligns with Chopra’s preparation for the upcoming Olympics. “We are getting to know each other at a distance. We will start in person only at the traditional winter camp in South Africa,” Zelezny added, anticipating the beginning of their work together.
New chapter for Neeraj Chopra with Jan Zelezny as mentor
This collaboration is expected to bring fresh perspectives to Neeraj Chopra’s training, with Zelezny’s expertise potentially enhancing his technique and approach in competitive scenarios. The South African camp will provide a key setting for their one-on-one sessions, where Zelezny’s vast experience in winning Olympic titles could play an instrumental role in refining Chopra’s skills.
Surprising Reaction from Jakub Vadlejch
While Chopra’s arrival brings excitement, not everyone in Zelezny’s group is as enthusiastic. Jakub Vadlejch, who won silver at the Tokyo Olympics and has trained under Zelezny for nearly 14 years, has decided to leave the group following the announcement. According to the Czech Athletics Federation, Vadlejch’s decision signals a shift within the training dynamics but highlights the impact Chopra’s presence will have.
As the Indian javelin champion begins his journey with Zelezny this winter, the collaboration is anticipated to push him to new heights, with an eye on future podium finishes and possibly a second Olympic gold. For Chopra, working with one of the sport’s greatest is another milestone in his career, offering the promise of further records and achievements in the months to come.
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