In a significant development for Indian athletics, Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra has officially ended his two-year coaching partnership with Czech javelin legend Jan Zelezny. The decision marks the conclusion of a high-profile collaboration that began in 2022 and saw Chopra achieve historic success on the global stage.
The End of a Champion Partnership
The separation was confirmed through official channels on Wednesday, January 10, 2026. Neeraj Chopra and Jan Zelezny, a three-time Olympic champion and world record holder himself, joined forces in March 2022. Their partnership was forged with the primary goal of refining Chopra's technique and propelling him to the pinnacle of the sport, a mission they accomplished with remarkable success.
During their time together, Chopra's career trajectory soared. Under Zelezny's guidance, the Indian athlete secured the prestigious Diamond League Trophy in 2022, successfully defended his Asian Games gold medal in Hangzhou in 2023, and triumphed at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, also in 2023. This period solidified Chopra's status as the undisputed world number one in men's javelin throw.
Mutual Decision and Future Directions
Sources close to the development indicate the split was a mutual and amicable decision. The core reason cited is a divergence in long-term vision and planning for the upcoming competitive cycle. With the Paris 2024 Olympics now in the rearview mirror, both athlete and coach felt the time was right to pursue new paths.
Jan Zelezny, who holds the enduring world record of 98.48m, is reportedly keen to reduce his extensive travel commitments and focus more on his personal projects and family in the Czech Republic. Coaching an athlete of Chopra's caliber requires constant international travel for training blocks and competitions, a demanding schedule Zelezny now wishes to scale back.
On the other hand, Neeraj Chopra is looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the new challenges that come with maintaining dominance in a rapidly evolving sport. He is expected to seek a new coaching setup that aligns with his refined goals for the next quadrennial.
What's Next for India's Golden Boy?
For the immediate future, Neeraj Chopra will not be without guidance. He is set to continue working with his long-standing support team, which includes biomechanics expert Dr. Klaus Bartonietz and physiotherapist Ishaan Marwaha. This team has been an integral part of his journey for years and will provide stability during this transition.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has acknowledged the development and expressed full confidence in Chopra's ability to navigate this change. The search for a new primary coach is likely to be a meticulous process, with Chopra and his management taking their time to find the perfect fit for the next chapter.
The separation from Zelezny closes a defining chapter in Neeraj Chopra's career, one marked by unprecedented achievement and global recognition. As the Indian superstar turns the page, the entire nation will be watching, eager to see how the next phase of his legendary journey unfolds.
