Neeraj Chopra begins 2025 season at Doha Diamond League with focus on his fitness and coach Jan Zelezny’s influence

Olympic javelin champion Neeraj Chopra is all set to launch his 2025 athletics campaign at the Doha Diamond League on May 16. This will be his first competitive outing of the year, and there’s considerable attention on two key factors: Chopra’s physical condition and the early impact of his new coach, Jan Zelezny.

A Fresh Start with a Legendary Coach

In a major change late last year, Chopra shifted from his longtime coach Dr. Klaus Bartonietz to train under the guidance of Czech javelin great Jan Zelezny. Zelezny, widely regarded as one of the greatest javelin throwers in history, is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and still holds the world record in the event.

The two have been working together at a training base in Potchefstroom, South Africa—a location familiar to Chopra from his preparations for previous Olympic Games. Zelezny brings a fresh perspective and a technical edge that Chopra is hoping will refine his throwing mechanics and push his performance to the next level.

Pursuit of the 90-Meter Milestone

One of Chopra’s long-standing goals is to cross the elusive 90-meter mark. His personal best of 89.94 meters came tantalizingly close, and with Zelezny now in his corner, there’s renewed optimism that he can finally breach that barrier.

The focus in training has been on perfecting the run-up, optimizing body positioning, and building strength and stamina to support longer throws. According to those close to his camp, the synergy between Chopra and Zelezny has already begun to show encouraging signs.

Stepping Stone to the World Championships

The Doha Diamond League is more than just an opening event—it’s a key stepping stone toward the World Athletics Championships scheduled to take place in Tokyo later this year. Chopra will be up against an elite field, including top international rivals like Anderson Peters, Jakub Vadlejch, and Julius Yego. These encounters will not only test his current form but also offer valuable feedback ahead of more critical competitions.

Reliability as Chopra’s Greatest Asset

Since his gold-medal win in Tokyo, Chopra has built a reputation for consistency. He has routinely delivered throws beyond 88 meters, with several performances hovering near the 89-meter mark. This level of stability has made him one of the most dependable javelin throwers on the circuit.

Observers note that this consistency reflects both Chopra’s disciplined approach to training and the strategic coaching decisions made in the background. With Zelezny now adding his technical finesse to the mix, expectations are high that Chopra could elevate his game even further.

Eyes on the Future

As Chopra enters a new chapter in his career, there is widespread anticipation surrounding his 2025 season. His partnership with Jan Zelezny is being closely watched, not only because of the coach’s legendary status, but also for what it could mean for India’s top javelin star.

With key events like the World Championships on the horizon and the continued pursuit of the 90-meter milestone, Doha represents more than a season debut—it marks the beginning of what could be a pivotal year in Chopra’s career.

Supporters, analysts, and fellow athletes alike will be watching closely to see how the blend of elite coaching, strong preparation, and Chopra’s natural talent translate into competitive success in the months to come.