Doha, May 16, 2025: India’s golden boy of athletics, Neeraj Chopra, is back in action and ready to launch his 2025 season at the Doha Diamond League — injury-free, mentally stronger, and under the guidance of javelin legend Jan Zelezny.
“I feel really good. The last throwing sessions were really great. I am ready,” Chopra said confidently in a press interaction on the eve of the curtain-raiser event in Qatar. His excitement was evident — not only is he fully fit, but this marks his first major competition since teaming up with three-time Olympic champion Zelezny as his coach.
Injury-Free and Hungry for More
The 26-year-old had been grappling with a persistent groin injury for months following his silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The injury had severely limited his training, restricting his ability to throw from a full runway. But those troubles appear behind him now. “This time, I never missed any (throwing) session,” Chopra shared, underscoring how crucial uninterrupted practice has been in restoring his confidence.
Coaching Transition: From Bartonietz to Zelezny
Neeraj Chopra, who rose to global fame under German coach Klaus Bartonietz, spoke openly about the challenges and rewards of adapting to Zelezny’s intense new training regimen. “In the beginning, it was hard… but after a few weeks, I really liked it,” he said. Zelezny, known for his mental and technical discipline, has not only fine-tuned Chopra’s technique but also introduced a tougher, double-session format that combines morning throws with afternoon lifting.
Learn more about Jan Zelezny’s legendary Olympic record on the official Olympics website.
Doha Line-Up: A Clash of Javelin Titans
Though Chopra’s main rival Arshad Nadeem won’t compete in Doha, the field remains stacked with global elites:
- Anderson Peters (World No. 1, PB: 93.07m) – Profile on World Athletics
- Julian Weber (World No. 3, PB: 89.54m)
- Jakub Vadlejch (World No. 4, PB: 90.88m)
- Julius Yego (World No. 5, PB: 92.72m)
- Keshorn Walcott (World No. 6, PB: 90.16m)
India’s Kishore Jena will also return to international competition after recovering from ankle surgery, adding more national interest to the event.
Will 2025 Be the Year of the 90-Meter Throw?
For all his accolades, one goal still eludes Chopra — breaching the elusive 90-meter barrier. With Zelezny by his side and his groin issues addressed (thanks to treatment in Prague), many believe the time is ripe. A video from a low-key meet in Potchefstroom earlier this year showed Chopra comfortably hurling an 84.52m throw with minimal effort — a clear teaser of bigger things to come.
Watch Neeraj’s viral training throw from South Africa.
Doha: A Season-Opener That Rarely Disappoints
Historically, Doha has been a venue where javelin throwers peak early. “So many javelin throwers throw their personal bests in Doha,” Chopra said. With world-class competitors and a crowd hungry for a show, Friday’s event could very well set the tone for Chopra’s most dominant year yet.
Explore the India’s Olympic medal hopefuls for 2025 and how Chopra fits into the bigger picture.
Will we see history in Doha? If Chopra’s form and fitness are any indicators, the 90-meter dream may soon become a reality.
Follow us for real-time updates from the Doha Diamond League and more exclusive insights into India’s Olympic hopefuls. Subscribe to our sports newsletter.
