In a significant career move, India's iconic javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has announced the launch of his own athlete management firm, marking the end of his decade-long partnership with JSW Sports. The two-time Olympic medallist made the announcement on Monday, concluding an association that began in 2016 and was instrumental in his rise to global stardom.
A Decade of Support and Success
The partnership between Neeraj Chopra and JSW Sports is widely regarded as one of the most successful athlete-management journeys in Indian sports history. It commenced in 2016 when the young thrower was identified through the JSW Sports Excellence Program (SEP). This collaboration became the bedrock of a period of unprecedented achievement for the athlete.
In a press release, the 27-year-old champion expressed profound gratitude for the role JSW Sports played in shaping his career. "Over the last decade, our journey together has been one of growth, belief, and achievement. JSW Sports has played a defining role in my career, and I’ll always remain grateful for their support and vision," Chopra stated. He added that the values instilled during this partnership would guide him in his new venture.
Echoing the sentiment, JSW Sports CEO Divyanshu Singh celebrated the shared history and the remarkable milestones Chopra achieved while with the organization. Both parties described this professional transition as being filled with "deep respect and pride."
The Birth of Vel Sports
With the conclusion of his contract, Neeraj Chopra is stepping into the realm of sports management with his newly founded firm, Vel Sports. This move signifies a new chapter where the champion aims to leverage his experience and insights to potentially guide the next generation of athletes.
"As we conclude this chapter, I carry forward the same values into the next phase of my journey," Chopra remarked, highlighting the continuity of his commitment to excellence. The launch of his own firm underscores his evolution from a world-class athlete to an entrepreneur in the sports ecosystem.
Recovering from Injury and Future Plans
This major business announcement comes as the athlete focuses on recovery from injuries sustained in 2025. According to a senior official from the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), Chopra has not yet decided when to begin his competition season in 2026.
The former World Champion participated in the 2025 Tokyo World Championships while managing a back injury, ultimately finishing eighth in the final. This result ended an impressive podium streak that had lasted for 2,566 days. AFI spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla revealed that Chopra was actually coping with two separate injuries during the event.
"Athletes don’t usually play with such injuries but he didn’t say a word," Sumariwalla told reporters. "We even asked him not to compete but he said I have to do it for the country." This dedication highlights the champion's unwavering commitment to representing India, even at personal physical cost.
The Indian sports community will be watching closely as Neeraj Chopra navigates this dual path of entrepreneurial leadership in sports management and his ongoing journey to return to peak competitive form on the global athletics stage.
