\u201cI would like to clarify that I don\u2019t have a very strong relationship with Arshad Nadeem,\u201d Chopra said during a press conference. \u201cWe were never really close friends or something. But, because of this (India-Pakistan border tensions), it will not be like before.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The athlete was referring to the backlash he and his family faced following the now-postponed NC Classic, a day-long javelin event that was set to be hosted in Bengaluru, where Nadeem had been invited.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Social media outrage erupted in the wake of a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. Many targeted Chopra online, questioning his patriotism and accusing him of fraternising with a Pakistani sportsperson at a sensitive time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe invitation to Nadeem was sent before the terror attack,\u201d Neeraj reiterated, expressing his disappointment over the personal nature of the criticism. \u201cIt deeply hurt me and my family to be questioned like that.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chopra stressed that respect remains central to his worldview as an athlete. \u201cIf someone talks to me respectfully, I reciprocate. It doesn\u2019t matter where they come from. Javelin is a small community, and while we all compete for our nations, we share mutual respect.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On the performance front, Neeraj has entered a fresh phase in his career with legendary Czech javelin thrower Jan Zelezny\u2014a three-time Olympic gold medallist and world record holder\u2014now in his corner as coach.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
This shift follows a successful four-year stint with biomechanics expert Dr. Klaus Bartonietz, under whom Chopra won both his Olympic and World Championship titles.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chopra admitted that switching to Zelezny\u2019s training regimen wasn\u2019t easy. \u201cInitially, it was a bit different\u2026Jan\u2019s style is very different from Klaus's. But after a few weeks, I really started liking it,\u201d he said. \"Jan\u2019s presence helps not just with technique but also with mental strength. I\u2019ve learned a lot about how to compete with a stronger mindset.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The differences in their training philosophies meant adjustments were needed. \u201cWith Klaus, we would train in a certain pattern\u2014throwing on one day, lifting on another. But with Jan, we do throw in the morning and lift (weights) in the afternoon. It took time, but it\u2019s working now.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chopra also shared that he had dealt with a groin issue in the past but has remained injury-free in this current phase. \u201cThis time, I haven\u2019t missed a single session. That\u2019s a very good sign for me.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The transition from Bartonietz, who was more than just a coach, to Chopra was emotional. \u201cI worked with Klaus for 4-5 years. He was amazing. But he is 76 now, and he wanted to spend more time with his family,\u201d Neeraj shared. \u201cI told him I wanted to continue, but I also understood his decision. I\u2019m very grateful for everything he helped me achieve.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 27-year-old Haryana star also explained why he prefers to train overseas, citing the distractions he faces back home.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The transition from Bartonietz, who was more than just a coach, to Chopra was emotional. \u201cI worked with Klaus for 4-5 years. He was amazing. But he is 76 now, and he wanted to spend more time with his family,\u201d Neeraj shared. \u201cI told him I wanted to continue, but I also understood his decision. I\u2019m very grateful for everything he helped me achieve.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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