New Delhi, Jan 10 (NationPress) The gold medallist of the 2020 Olympics, Neeraj Chopra, has concluded his coaching relationship with javelin icon Jan Zelezny. This partnership saw Chopra achieve the remarkable feat of breaking the 90-metre mark but did not culminate in him retaining his World Athletics Championship gold medal.

Both Chopra, a two-time Olympic medallist, and Zelezny reflected positively on their collaboration, highlighting the growth, trust, and meaningful exchanges they experienced.

Chopra, who made history by securing India's first gold in athletics at the Tokyo Olympic Games and added a silver in Paris 2024, made a significant impact in their first competition together, fulfilling a long-awaited moment for the nation.

The 90m milestone was a significant personal achievement for Chopra, marking him among the elite in javelin throwing and representing a landmark for Indian athletics.

Chopra expressed how valuable it was to learn from an athlete he admired since childhood, stating that training with Zelezny introduced him to new exercises, technical ideas, and insights that enhanced his approach.

“Working with Jan expanded my horizons. His perspective on technique, rhythm, and movement is extraordinary, and I gained a lot from every training session we had,” Chopra stated in a release on Saturday.

Zelezny also spoke fondly of their collaboration, saying, “Coaching an athlete like Neeraj was a rewarding experience. I’m pleased we crossed paths and worked together, achieving his first 90-meter throw. Despite not winning the World Championships, finishing second is commendable. A back injury shortly before the Tokyo Championships hampered his performance, but he possesses immense potential moving forward. Our relationship is strong, and we will maintain contact, possibly meeting at a training camp or during family vacations in Europe or India,” Zelezny remarked in the joint statement.

Looking to the future, Chopra intends to take charge of his coaching direction. After training with some of the best in the field, he feels equipped to apply the most effective strategies. At this point in his career, he has more confidence in understanding his body and throwing techniques, along with numerous new ideas to incorporate into his training.

“I’m excited for what lies ahead in 2026. My preparations began in early November. My primary goal is to remain healthy, and I’m eager to get back to competition soon,” Neeraj said. “I’m particularly looking forward to the 2027 World Championships and the ultimate goal of the 2028 Olympic Games.”

As this chapter closes, Chopra expresses deep respect and gratitude. “I’m proud of the friendship I’ve cultivated with my lifelong idol. Jan is not only the greatest javelin thrower ever but also one of the finest individuals I’ve encountered,” he concluded.