Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is set to join an elite training group led by Jan Zelezny, the legendary triple Olympic champion, as announced by the Czech Athletics Federation (CAS) on Friday. This significant move marks a new chapter in Chopra's career as he seeks to elevate his performance under the guidance of one of the greatest javelin throwers in history.
Chopra, who won Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021 and secured a silver medal in Paris earlier this year, approached Zelezny several weeks ago with the request to join his coaching group. Zelezny, a four-time Olympic medalist with golds in Barcelona (1992), Atlanta (1996), and Sydney (2000), as well as a silver in Seoul (1988), expressed enthusiasm at the opportunity to mentor Chopra. The Czech icon, who holds the world record for the javelin throw at 98.48 meters, recognized Chopra's potential early on in his career. "That made me happy because I had already talked about him as a great talent many years ago, at the beginning of his career," Zelezny shared on the CAS website.
The 58-year-old Zelezny will lead the training group for the next two years, during which time Chopra will aim to refine his technique and gain insights from Zelezny’s extensive experience. This partnership is set to commence with the traditional winter training camp in South Africa, where Zelezny and Chopra will work together in person for the first time. The camp will provide a critical period for Chopra to adapt to Zelezny’s coaching style and training regimen, further bolstering his preparation for major upcoming competitions.
However, Chopra’s inclusion in the group has sparked a notable departure. Jakub Vadlejch, the Czech javelin thrower who claimed silver at the Tokyo Olympics, has opted to leave Zelezny’s group after almost 14 years. The CAS noted that Vadlejch’s decision was influenced by the arrival of the Indian champion, signaling a shift in the dynamics of the training team.
Chopra's move to join Zelezny’s group underscores his ambition to push beyond his current achievements and solidify his status as one of the leading figures in the sport. Training under Zelezny, a master of javelin throwing with unparalleled expertise, promises to be a pivotal step in Chopra's quest to maintain his edge and capture further international success.
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