India’s javelin star Neeraj Chopra is all set to begin a new chapter in his journey, one that could redefine his career. The Olympic champion has announced that he’ll be coached by none other than javelin legend Jan Železný – the very man he grew up idolising.

For Chopra, it’s a full-circle moment: the javelin hero who inspired him as a young thrower will now guide him through his next chapter.

Who is Jan Železný?

The Czech legend isn't just any coach – the three-time Olympic gold medallist holds the world record of 98.48m set in 1996, a mark that remains unchallenged. Železný’s powerful, precise style and technical prowess made him one of the sport’s greats, setting the standard for generations to come.

For Chopra, Železný was more than a role model. He was an obsession. “Growing up, I admired Jan’s technique and precision,” Chopra said recently. “I spent countless hours watching his videos – his run-up, his attack, everything about his style felt magical.”

Under Železný’s mentorship, Chopra now has the chance to learn from the very person who revolutionised the sport he loves.

A partnership built on similar styles

This coaching partnership, however, is more than a fan meeting his hero. Železný has recognised Chopra’s potential for years, calling him a “great talent” and a “natural.” He even remarked that Chopra would be his first choice if he were ever to coach an athlete outside of Czechia.

The timing couldn't be better. Chopra parts ways with Dr. Klaus Bartonietz, the German coach under whom he secured two Olympic and two world championship medals. But with Železný, Chopra aims to reach a new level of precision and consistency – areas where the Czech maestro excels.

It must be noted that when Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, Jan Železný was the coach of the other two men on the Tokyo 2020 podium, Jakub Vadlejch (silver) and Vítězslav Veselý (bronze).

Železný’s influence extends far beyond his record-breaking throws. As a coach, he’s already groomed two Olympic medallists, Jakub Vadlejch and Vítězslav Veselý, as well as two-time Olympic champion Barbora Špotáková.

Could this partnership unlock Chopra’s full potential?

The partnership could be transformative. Železný's coaching credentials speak volumes – he's already shaped two-time Olympic champion Barbora Špotáková and Tokyo medalists Jakub Vadlejch and Vítězslav Veselý.

For Chopra, who already has a personal best of 89.94m, training under someone who has thrown beyond 98m could be the key to breaking new barriers.

The duo will begin their journey at a winter camp in South Africa, where Železný plans to focus on refining Chopra's technical aspects.

With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, this collaboration between India's most celebrated track and field athlete and the sport's greatest technician could rewrite the nation's sporting history.

For a young man who once spent hours searching "javelin world record" on YouTube, training under the very man who appears in those videos seems like destiny fulfilled.

The question isn't just whether Chopra will break more records – it’s how many.