'Return To Potchefstroom'! Neeraj Chopra Begins Pre-Season Training After MOC Approves SA Camp

Last Updated:January 15, 2026, 17:16 IST

The Sports Ministry's Mission Olympic Cell approved a 32-day camp for the two-time Olympic medallist for a sanctioned assistance amounting to Rs 11.80 lakh.

Neeraj Chopra. (PTI)

Indian javelin throw star Neeraj Chopra has commenced his pre-season training in Potchefstroom, South Africa, after the Sports Ministry’s Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) approved a 32-day camp for him under his new coach, Jai Chaudhary.

Chopra recently ended his coaching partnership with Czech legend Jan Zelezny and chose to work with Chaudhary, his former coach who trains javelin throwers in Panipat, Chopra’s hometown.

The 28-year-old will remain in Potchefstroom, a renowned training base for javelin throwers worldwide, until February 5. The total sanctioned assistance for him amounts to Rs 11.80 lakh, according to a source in the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

The Mission Olympic Cell, responsible for financial and logistical support to elite athletes in the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), convened on Wednesday.

Chopra’s training camp support team includes his long-time physiotherapist Ishaan Marwaha. The training camp is focused on enhancing his physical conditioning, strength, and technical consistency in preparation for major events this year, such as the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games, the source said.

The approved financial assistance will cover his training camp expenses, local logistics, gym and training ground access, airport transfers, and out-of-pocket allowances, the source added.

Chopra faced an adductor muscle injury last year but still managed to surpass the 90m mark in the Doha Diamond League. However, he was disappointed with his eighth-place finish at the Tokyo World Championships in September, after which he took a break to address his fitness issues. He aims to start his 2026 season at the Doha Diamond League in May.

A total of Rs 1.40 crore was approved for proposals from athletes across disciplines at the 167th meeting of the MOC.

This includes Sachin Yadav’s request for specialised javelin throw equipment at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in Delhi, the source said. Yadav gained attention with a fourth-place finish at the World Championships last year, outperforming Chopra in his debut at the event.

The MOC is expected to meet again in mid-February for a thorough review of the existing list of core and developmental group athletes. The meeting on Wednesday was held online, but the review of athletes will be conducted in person in February, making it a significant meeting, the source said.

The number of core group athletes currently stands at 118, including 57 able-bodied and 61 para-athletes.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

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