Neeraj Chopra's Unbreakable Bond with Coach Klaus Bartonietz

Neeraj Chopra’s Unbreakable Bond with Coach Klaus Bartonietz

Neeraj Chopra’s journey to Olympic gold was not without its challenges. After a disappointing experience with his previous coach, Uwe Hohn, Neeraj sought the guidance of German biomechanics expert Klaus Bartonietz. Despite their age difference, the two formed a strong bond based on mutual respect and a shared passion for javelin throwing.

Klaus’s approach to coaching is characterized by a focus on simplicity and innovation. He believes in empowering Neeraj to make decisions about his training, while providing expert guidance and support. This collaborative approach has allowed Neeraj to develop his own unique style and reach the pinnacle of his sport.

Beyond their professional relationship, Klaus and Neeraj share a deep friendship. They engage in playful banter, exchange cultural insights, and support each other through life’s ups and downs. This camaraderie has created a positive and supportive environment that has contributed to Neeraj’s success.

Neeraj’s training regimen is meticulously planned with input from Klaus and his physiotherapist, Ishaan Marwaha. They carefully consider objectives, logistics, and competition schedules to ensure optimal preparation. Neeraj’s dedication to his craft is evident in his willingness to experiment and push his limits.

While training is a serious endeavor, the trio also finds time for fun and relaxation. Neeraj’s love for Punjabi music often leads to impromptu dance sessions, and he has even taught Klaus a few Hindi words. Their off days are spent recovering, planning, and occasionally indulging in movie nights.

As Neeraj prepares for the Paris Olympics, he and his team are focused on maintaining their winning formula. They believe in Neeraj’s ability to perform under pressure and are confident that he can achieve another podium finish. Their bond, built on trust, respect, and a shared love for the sport, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in his continued success.

Neeraj Chopra: Embracing Pressure, Aiming for Paris Glory

Neeraj Chopra: Embracing Pressure, Aiming for Paris Glory

Three years after India’s historic Olympic performance in Tokyo, the nation’s athletes are poised to embark on another Olympic journey in Paris. Among them, Neeraj Chopra, India’s lone gold medalist in athletics, faces a unique challenge as the defending champion.

Chopra’s success in Tokyo has brought immense pressure, but he has embraced it as a necessary part of his journey. He has remained grounded and motivated, consistently delivering exceptional performances. His dominance in javelin throw over the past few years suggests he is a strong contender for a medal in Paris.

However, Chopra recognizes that each competition is a new challenge. He has chosen to approach Paris as a fresh start, leaving behind the baggage of the past. By focusing on the present and embracing a growth mindset, he aims to replicate his success.

Chopra’s exceptional work ethic and adaptability set him apart. His decision to skip the Paris Diamond League to prioritize his body’s well-being demonstrates his self-awareness and understanding of the demands of his sport. This quality is rare among Indian athletes and is crucial for sustained success.

In addition to his physical abilities, Chopra’s open-mindedness and willingness to innovate contribute to his world-class status. He is receptive to new training methods and techniques, recognizing that success requires constant improvement.

Chopra’s journey is a testament to the importance of self-belief and the pursuit of excellence. His ability to think independently and make decisions that align with his goals is a valuable lesson for all Indian athletes.

Neeraj Chopra, Kishore Jena Granted Direct Entry into Federation Cup Finals

Neeraj Chopra, Kishore Jena Granted Direct Entry into Federation Cup Finals

Star Indian javelin throwers Neeraj Chopra and Kishore Jena have been granted direct entry into the Federation Cup finals in Bhubaneswar on May 15th. This decision was made as both athletes have consistently surpassed the minimum qualification mark of 75m throughout their careers.

Chopra, the reigning Olympic and world champion, recently finished second at the Doha Diamond League with an impressive throw of 88.38m. Jena, the Asian Games silver medalist, made his Diamond League debut but was eliminated after three rounds with a best throw of 76.31m.

DP Manu, who placed sixth at the 2023 World Championships, will also compete directly in the finals. He aims to qualify for the Paris Olympics by achieving a mark of 85.50m.

According to Indian athletics head coach Radhakrishnan Nair, “All those who have crossed 75m will not compete in the qualifying round on Tuesday. There are nine of them from among those who had made entries, including Neeraj and Jena. They will directly compete in the final on Wednesday.”

The remaining athletes with marks below 75m will participate in the qualifying round, with the top three joining the nine above-75m throwers in the final.

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is eagerly anticipating Chopra’s first competitive outing in India in three years. “The AFI is not at all surprised at Neeraj taking part in the Federation Cup. His participation in domestic events is undoubtedly a positive development for Indian athletics,” stated a senior AFI official.

Chopra has reportedly arrived in India from Doha but will only arrive in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. Jena, the Asian Games medalist, is expected to arrive later on Monday.

Nair downplayed the injury sustained by men’s 4x400m relay squad member Rajesh Ramesh, who withdrew during the second leg of the first round qualifying heat in the Bahamas earlier this month. Ramesh was replaced by Arokia Rajiv, who was also not fully fit, in the second round of the Olympic qualifying heat, and the Indian team secured a Paris ticket.

“Ramesh’s injury is not a hamstring pull, it’s related to a tendon in the thigh. So, it is not a major injury. He is expected to start training in 10-15 days. Rajiv will also be alright soon,” Nair said. “There should not be any problem in Olympics preparation.”

A total of 19 track and field athletes have qualified for Paris, and Nair announced that the team will train in Spala, Poland, for four weeks before traveling to Paris for the Olympics. Track and field events commence on August 1st.

“The team will train in Spala before Olympics and we will reach Paris three or four days before the competition starts,” he said.

The AFI remains hopeful of the mixed 4x400m relay team’s Paris qualification despite its failure in the Bahamas during the World Relays. Only two slots remain available.

“Our mixed 4x400m team will take part in the Asian Relays (May 20-21 in Bangkok) and we can qualify for Paris if we run below 3 minutes 14 seconds, and we feel we can do that,” Nair added.

The AFI is reportedly preparing a strategic plan with the goal of winning multiple medals in the 2036 Olympics, regardless of whether India wins the right to host the Games.

Chopra Vows to Improve After Narrow Second in Doha Diamond League

Chopra Vows to Improve After Narrow Second in Doha Diamond League

Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has set his sights on victory in the next Diamond League meeting after finishing a close second in the Doha leg.

Chopra’s second-place finish in Doha was a mere two centimeters behind Jakub Vadlejch’s winning throw of 88.38m. The 26-year-old Chopra trailed the veteran Czech throughout the competition, but his final effort of 88.36m fell just short of the top spot.

Despite the narrow margin, Chopra remained upbeat and expressed his determination to improve in the next meeting. “The most important competition for me this year is the Paris Olympics, but Diamond League meetings are important too,” Chopra said. “This was the opener for me this season, I finished second with a narrow two-centimeter margin, but next time I will try to draw far and try to win.”

The next Diamond League meeting featuring men’s javelin will be held in Paris on July 7. Chopra also expressed his gratitude for the support he received from the Indian diaspora in Qatar. “The support I am getting from the Indian people here in Qatar is always amazing,” he said. “There aren’t words enough for me to thank them for their support.”

Chopra’s performance in Doha was a promising start to his season, and he will be looking to build on it in the upcoming meetings. The top six javelin throwers will compete in the Diamond League Finals in Brussels on September 13-14, and Chopra will be aiming to lift the DL champion’s trophy.

Chopra Overcomes Challenges for Second Place in Doha Diamond League

Chopra Overcomes Challenges for Second Place in Doha Diamond League

Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic and world champion javelin thrower, displayed his resilience and determination at the season-opening Doha Diamond League. Despite facing challenging conditions, Chopra overcame a slow start to secure a second-place finish with a best throw of 88.36m.

Chopra’s first two attempts were underwhelming, but he gradually improved his performance. In his third attempt, he launched the javelin 86.24m, moving into second place. However, Czech thrower Jakub Vadlejch had set a high bar with his 88.38m effort in the third round.

Undeterred, Chopra continued to push himself. In his fifth attempt, he came close to Vadlejch’s mark with a throw of 86.18m. With one final attempt remaining, Chopra summoned his reserves of strength and unleashed a mighty throw that landed just two centimeters short of Vadlejch’s winning distance.

Despite the narrow margin, Chopra was satisfied with his performance. He acknowledged the challenging conditions and expressed his gratitude for the support of his team. Chopra’s second-place finish is a testament to his mental fortitude and his ability to perform under pressure.

The Doha Diamond League marked Chopra’s first competition of the 2024 season. He will now return to India for a brief visit before competing at the Federation Cup in Bhubaneswar next week. Chopra’s next major international competition will be the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland next month, where he is expected to face a stronger field.

Neeraj Chopra Begins Season at Doha Diamond League, Aims for 90m Barrier

Neeraj Chopra Begins Season at Doha Diamond League, Aims for 90m Barrier

Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic and world javelin champion, will kick off his season at the Doha Diamond League 2024 on Friday at the Qatar Sports Club. Joining him will be fellow Indian Kishore Jena, who will also make his Diamond League debut.

Both athletes have already secured their spots at the Paris Olympics. They last competed at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, where Jena won silver and Chopra took gold. Chopra is the only Indian athlete to have won a Diamond League title, which he achieved in Zurich in 2022. He lost the title last year to Czech Republic’s Jakub Vadlejch, who is also competing this year and won silver at the Tokyo Olympics.

Chopra is aiming to break the 90-meter barrier. “I’ve been training well and have had some good throwing sessions leading up to this event,” he said. “I’m in form, but I don’t know…there are three throwers over 90m. I’m still not there.”

Vadlejch has a personal best of 90.88m, while Anderson Peters has a personal best of 93.07m and Julius Yego boasts 92.72m. “I’m stuck between 88 and 90m. But I really want to break this barrier. Maybe tomorrow, it will be good,” Chopra said.

Neeraj Chopra Prioritizes Training Over Stardom Ahead of Diamond League Debut

Neeraj Chopra Prioritizes Training Over Stardom Ahead of Diamond League Debut

Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, India’s golden boy in javelin throw, has acknowledged the challenges of balancing his stardom with his training and competition schedule. The 26-year-old superstar, who is also the reigning world and Asian Games champion, is set to kick off his season with the first leg of the Diamond League on Friday.

Chopra, who has spent the majority of the past few months training abroad in South Africa, Turkey, and Switzerland, expressed his desire to prioritize his sport over social obligations. “For me, my sport is more important,” he said. “It’s good for my profile if I play in India, but there are too many functions and marriage functions. I also want to join my family and friends, but more than that, I want to train in an Olympic year.”

Chopra’s stardom has undoubtedly elevated the stature of athletics in India. “It’s not like cricketers, like Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni, but a lot of people know me,” he said. “I go to India sometimes, people know me, which is good for athletics. People know about athletics and follow athletics because of the Olympic gold.”

Despite the recognition, Chopra remains focused on his ultimate goal: breaking the elusive 90m mark. “About 90m, last year I said I will throw 90 and threw 88. This year, I don’t want to say, I want to show,” he said. “People have been asking me this question since 2018, when I threw 88.06 at the Asian Games. But, a lot of things happened, my elbow injury, the surgery, and now I have been stuck between 88 and 90m.”

Chopra is aware of the expectations that come with his status as an Olympic champion, but he tries to focus on his technique. “Obviously, it is the Olympics year and India is a big country and everyone expects gold,” he said. “But, it’s really hard in Olympics because the best from the world are competing with you.”

“My focus is to just stay healthy and concentrate on my technique. And yes, if I stay healthy everything will be good.”

Indian Javelin Stars Aim for Paris Glory with Belief and Intense Training

Indian Javelin Stars Aim for Paris Glory with Belief and Intense Training

India’s javelin stars, led by Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, are poised to kick off their outdoor season at the Doha leg of the Diamond League on May 10th. Chopra, along with his comrade Kishore Jena, will spearhead India’s challenge, fueled by a newfound sense of belief.

Chopra, who made history with a gold-silver finish alongside Jena at the Hangzhou Asian Games, believes that a third javelin thrower, DP Manu, should also qualify for the Paris Olympics. “We have to take this Budapest belief forward and in Paris anything is possible,” Chopra said.

Manu, who has yet to meet the qualifying standard of 85.50 meters, is currently ranked 11th in the Road to Paris rankings. This position should secure him a ticket to Paris unless others surpass him or he fails to improve his distance.

The Indian Grand Prix I in Bengaluru saw Manu win the men’s javelin throw with an effort of 81.91m, short of the Olympic qualification mark. However, he has been training diligently in South Africa with his coach Kashinath Naik.

Chopra, Jena, and Manu have all benefited from the government’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme, which provides funding for athletes to prepare for global events. Chopra alone has received close to 4 Crore INR in support.

Chopra emphasizes the importance of meticulous planning and overseas training. “The entire scenario changes when you arrive at the Games Village. The real pressure starts building up then. But I should be prepared,” he said.

Chopra credits his success to his international training experiences in Finland, South Africa, the UK, and Turkey. “After Tokyo, I found out how international athletes plan their schedule and choose their training centers,” he said.

While Chopra acknowledges the role of belief, he cautions that performance cannot be guaranteed. “It will be on how we do on that day. I strongly believe we all are training hard and doing a Budapest encore is not impossible,” he stated.

Chopra, who holds the world-leading throw of 88.67 meters, will be a favorite in Doha, facing competition from Jakub Vadlejch, Anderson Peters, Max Dehning, and Jena.

Neeraj Chopra to Compete in National Federation Cup After Three-Year Hiatus

Neeraj Chopra to Compete in National Federation Cup After Three-Year Hiatus

Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is set to make his long-awaited return to domestic competition after confirming his participation in the National Federation Cup in Bhubaneswar from May 12 to 15. The 26-year-old superstar will be competing at home for the first time in three years, having last participated in a domestic event in March 2021.

Chopra’s participation in the Federation Cup is a significant development as it will provide him with an opportunity to test his form and fitness ahead of the upcoming season. The Indian javelin star is expected to travel to India from Doha after opening his season in the first leg of the prestigious Diamond League series on May 10.

Chopra’s coach, Klaus Bartonietz, has confirmed that his ward is taking part in the Bhubaneswar event. As per the schedule released by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), the men’s javelin qualifying round will be held on May 14, with the final scheduled for May 15.

Chopra’s return to domestic competition is eagerly anticipated by Indian athletics fans. Since his last domestic appearance in 2021, Chopra has achieved remarkable success on the international stage. He won a historic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, became Diamond League champion in 2022, and claimed the world championship title in 2023. He also successfully defended his Asian Games gold medal in China.

Despite his impressive achievements, Chopra is yet to cross the 90-meter mark. His personal best and national record stand at 89.94m. The Federation Cup will provide him with an opportunity to fine-tune his technique and push for the elusive 90m throw.

Chopra’s participation in the Federation Cup is also a boost for the event itself. The tournament will feature some of India’s top athletes, including 28-year-old Kishore Jena, who won a silver medal in the Hangzhou Asian Games where Chopra won gold. Jena will also be competing in the Doha Diamond League on May 10.

The Federation Cup is an important event in the Indian athletics calendar, and Chopra’s presence will undoubtedly add to its prestige and excitement. Indian athletics fans will be eagerly watching to see how the Olympic and world champion performs on home soil after a long absence.

Kishore Jena: Rising Star in Indian Javelin, Inspired by Neeraj Chopra

Kishore Jena: Rising Star in Indian Javelin, Inspired by Neeraj Chopra

Olympic-bound javelin thrower Kishore Jena has emerged as a rising star in Indian athletics, following his impressive performance at the 2023 Asian Games. Alongside Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion, Jena has formed a formidable duo that is poised to make waves at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.

Jena’s journey to the top has been marked by his unwavering determination and the invaluable guidance of Neeraj Chopra. In a recent interview with NDTV, Jena expressed his admiration for Chopra’s humility and mentorship. “He is such a senior athlete, but he always treats us with respect,” Jena said. “He keeps on pushing me ahead during tournaments and never makes me feel like he is my competition.”

Jena’s meteoric rise has been fueled by his relentless pursuit of improvement. Last year, he shattered his personal best by over 9 meters, propelling him into the elite ranks of javelin throwers. As he prepares for the Olympics, Jena is meticulously fine-tuning his technique and fitness through rigorous training and participation in prestigious events like the Diamond League.

In the lead-up to the Paris Games, Jena spent 35 days training in Australia, where he honed his skills in an optimal environment. “The temperature was around 2-3 degrees Celsius in Patiala, so the Athletic Federation of India recommended us to go for training,” Jena explained. “Our trip turned out to be a success as we had good practice sessions twice a day.”

Jena’s unwavering focus and the unwavering support of his mentor, Neeraj Chopra, have positioned him as a legitimate contender for an Olympic medal. As the countdown to Paris 2024 continues, Jena is determined to leave an indelible mark on the world stage and inspire a new generation of Indian athletes.

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