After parting ways with Jan Zelezny, Neeraj Chopra returns to Indian coach

Star Javelin Thrower Neeraj Chopra revealed his decision to conclude his run with javelin legend and his coach Jan Zelezny. He said his decision to bring his stint under the Olympic icon to an end was due to logistical and practical factors, not performance-related reasons.Speaking at a Wanda Diamond League press conference in Doha on Thursday, Chopra explained that while his stint under the three-time Olympic champion helped him achieve the 90-metre mark, the demands of Zelezny's training ways ultimately led him to seek a different approach. The Indian star has now returned to a more familiar setup, one that offers greater flexibility and aligns more closely with his natural throwing style.

According to Chopra, Zelezny's coaching methods required extended training blocks in a single location, a commitment that became increasingly difficult to maintain. After the World Championships in Tokyo last year, both coach and athlete agreed it was the right time to move in a different direction, paving the way for Chopra's reunion with one of his earliest mentors."I worked with Jan Zelezny. He was a great athlete and a really good coach.

But we worked on a few things. I'm happy that I broke the 90m barrier with Zelezny. Last year, after Tokyo, because we work on very specific things, I had to stay in one place all season. That was a little bit impossible for me. Then we decided, after Tokyo, okay, maybe I need to work with my ideas,” Neeraj said.“Now I work with the Indian coach. He's my senior. When I started javelin, I started with him. He knows my story from the last 15-16 years.

Now we work on my technique. We are not working on anything specific, very deep, anything. I'm working on my natural technique. I was talking to him, like, okay, let's start training together. And he knows my training plans and everything. Now we work together, and my physio is always with me.

He's been with me for the last 8-9 years. I have a good team. I feel very good,” he added.By returning to a coach who has closely followed his development over the years, Chopra is placing his trust in a more familiar support system.

The focus is less on overhauling his technique and more on sharpening the natural attributes that have already made him an Olympic and world champion, with the backing of a trusted team around him.The Olympic champion is set to make his highly anticipated return at the Doha Diamond League 2026 today after an extended spell on the sidelines due to a lower back injury. The men's javelin throw event at the Qatar Sports Club is scheduled to begin at 11:14 PM IST.