Two-time Olympic medal-winning javelin throw star Neeraj Chopra has revealed that his new coach Jan Zelezny has figured out mistakes in his technique and would now make some adjustments to his throwing routine to achieve the 90m mark that the Indian star is pursuing for a while. The 26-year-old, while speaking to India Today, also opened up about his hush-hush wedding to former tennis player Himani Mor last month, saying that their relationship was a casual friendship at first “but slowly we fell in love”.

Chopra has been trying hard to hit the 90m mark. His personal best stands at 89.94m which was achieved in 2022. His season begins in May with the Diamond League and would mark the competitive start of his partnership with Zelezny, a former Olympic and world champion who also holds the world record (98.48m).

“I believe a 90 throw is happening soon. He (Jan Zelezny) has made some technical adjustments in my game,” said Chopra.

“He (Zelezny) feels that his tweaks would help me. I’ve been able to understand what he expects from me. One of the mistakes that he told me about was how I was throwing very low even in Paris and that I was leaning towards the left.

“If I am able to incorporate those changes, I think I will get a lot better,” he added.

But the Panipat-lad insisted that the milestone is still not as important as winning medals for the country.

“I want to do it myself. But, going to a competition and winning a medal against people who have previously thrown 90 meters is even more important. There’s no point in throwing 90 meters and not winning.

“What if everyone throws 90 there and despite throwing 90, you don’t win? I want to throw more than 90 meters; everyone believes I can do that. Klaus (Bartoniet, his former coach) believed it, Zelezny believes it.

“It will come off if I can fix the javelin line. I am giving my 100 percent, and that is important for me,” he added.

He also spoke about the groin injury that marred his season last year. Chopra has consulted a doctor recommended by Zelezny in Prague.

“Groin injury has been an issue for a long time. I wasn’t able to give 100 percent in my technique because of my injury. I went to Zelezny’s doctor in Prague, and he suggested some exercises. I am working on that, so hopefully it helps, and I am able to give my 100 percent,” he said.

We slowly fell in love

Opening about his marriage that stunned everyone, Chopra said both he and Mor wanted it to be an intimate affair and that’s why they chose a town near Solan.

“I knew her. She also comes from a family with a sports background, and so do we. Her father and mother were kabaddi players. Her brothers were boxers and wrestlers,” Chopra said.

“She herself was a tennis player, but after picking up injuries, she focused more on her studies,” he added.

Shedding light on how their relationship developed over a period of time, Chopra said being athletes, they could connect easily.

“Because our families had a sports background, we had the opportunity to meet. Our conversations began like that — just two athletes talking. It was casual at first, but slowly, we fell in love,” he said.

Their wedding pictures, which Chopra shared on social media a couple of days after the ceremony, took the internet by storm.

Although only family members were invited for the nuptials, Chopra said most of his close circle of friends was aware that he was tying the knot and he would soon be planning a celebration with those who couldn’t be a part of the function.

“…Families and friends knew. I wanted to return to training because the season was about to start. I thought it would only be possible after the season. Inviting everyone would have taken time,” he explained. 

Representative image.© SAI

File image of Greg Bell.© X (Twitter)

The Khelo India Winter Games 2025 men’s ice-hockey final on Monday will be a repeat of last year’s gold medal-round match. On Sunday, Indian Army got the better of hosts UT-Ladakh 2-1 while ITBP defeated Himachal Pradesh 3-1 to set a mouth-watering title clash at the NDS Stadium complex.

The penultimate day of the first leg of the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 brought mixed results for hosts Ladakh even as Maharashtra went past Telangana and Karnataka on the medal tally. With a gold, a silver and a bronze from their skaters on Sunday, Maharashtra lead the standings with eight medals (2 gold, 2 silver and 4 bronze).

Ladakh skaters started the day on a bright note at the NDS Stadium. In the 1000m short track for women, Skarma Tsultim (2:17.91 sec) and Padma Angmo (2:21.13 sec) did a Ladakh one-two leaving Madhya Pradesh’s Udreka Singh (2:22.74 sec) third. Skarma’s maiden KIWG gold was Ladakh’s second this year.

With a total of four medals (2 gold and 2 silvers), Ladakh are joint second in the medal standings with Tamil Nadu, which won two golds – women’s relay and men’s 500m long track — on Sunday.

Maharashtra skaters won a gold (men’s relay), a silver (women’s relay) and a bronze (men’s 500 long track) on Sunday. Karnataka did not win any medal today but Tamil Nadu won both gold (Avikshit Vijay Viswanath) and silver (Selvakumar Muthukumar) at Gupuks Pond where the men’s 500 long track race was held.

In the afternoon session, Indian Army became the first team to enter the final of the men’s ice hockey competition. The defending champions warded off a stiff challenge from hosts Ladakh to win a thriller 2-1.

In another full house at the NDS Stadium, the Army vs Ladakh was such a fiercely contested encounter. Tempers often ran high as Ladakh enjoyed tremendous home support but the young Army men from the Ladakh Scouts Regimental centre backed their team to the hilt with trademark enthusiasm.

Much to the delight of the home fans, Ladakh opened the scoring in the 13th minute of the first period through Stanzin Lotus. The Army team, which suffered a 3-1 defeat against ITBP in a league match on Saturday, took time to settle down and faced several close calls.

The second period produced no goals but Ladakh let in two soft goals in less than a minute in the third and final period to allow Army take control of the match. Army played better as a team as the goals scored by Sherap Zangmo (32nd minute) and Tsewang Chorol (33rd minute) came off quick assists in the scoring zone.

The second period produced no goals but Ladakh let in two soft goals in less than a minute in the third and final period to allow Army take control of the match. Army played better as a team as the goals scored by Sherap Zangmo (32nd minute) and Tsewang Chorol (33rd minute) came off quick assists in the scoring zone.

DAY 4 RESULTS (Jan 26)

Ice hockey results: Men’s semi-finals: Indian Army beat UT Ladakh 2-1; ITBP beat Himachal Pradesh 3-1.

(Women round-robin league): ITBP beat Himachal Pradesh 10-0.

ICE SKATING (all finals)

1000m short track (women):

1. Skarma Tsultim (Ladakh) 2:17.91 secs

2. Padma Angmo (Ladakh) 2:21.13

3. Udreka Singh (MP) 2:22.74 sec.

Relay (women):

1. Tamil Nadu (S. Memalokshini, Kalpana Kutappa, Anusri Suresh, Rhea Arun (3:43.62 secs)

2. Maharashtra (3:44.07)

3. Telangana (4:00.90 sec)

Relay (men):

1. Maharashtra (Sumit Tapkir, Atharva Pardeshi, Vyom Sawant, Ishaan Darvekar) 3:07.90 secs

2. Telangana 3:11.85 secs

3. Haryana 3:37.02 sec.

500m long track (men):

1. Avikshit Vijay Viswanath (TN) 00.51.45 sec

2. Selvakumar Muthukumar (TN) 00.54.03

3. Pruthviraj Vinode (Maharashtra) 1:01.80 sec.

Jyothi Yarraji in action© X (Twitter)

File image of Hima Das© AFP

Two-time Olympic medallist and star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is now married. Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Neeraj shared the news to his fans with a heartfelt note. “Starting new chapter of life with my family. Grateful for every blessing that brought us to this moment together. Bound by love, happily ever after,” Neeraj captioned the post and shared a series of pictures on Instagram, revealing the identity of his life partner. Neeraj’s wife, Himani, is currently studying in USA, as per the athlete’s uncle. The pair got married in the presence of close friends and family members, in a private function.

Among the viral images, one stood out — Neeraj’s mother blessing him — while performing a ritual.

Neeraj’s uncle also confirmed that there will also be a reception party for the marriage.

On professional front, Neeraj will be bringing a Continental Tour Javelin-Only competition to the country. The upcoming event has also been endorsed by the World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India.

However, the date of the event is yet to be finalised, with reports claiming that it will be held in May this year. Some top men’s and women’s javelin throwers will headline the event, including India’s golden boy Neeraj.

Speaking on the event, Chopra said, “It has been a longstanding dream of mine to organise and bring a world-class javelin competition to India. With the help of JSW Sports and the Athletics Federation of India, we are making this happen. I am sure that my fellow athletes and the fans in India will both create an experience that will be spoken about for a long time. I am excited to see how big we can make this,” as quoted from a release by JSW Sports Media.

Chopra is keen to make the event an annual fixture in the world athletics calendar, with an eye on adding more track and field disciplines to the meeting.

Parth Jindal, founder, JSW Sports said, “I would like to thank the Athletics Federation of India and their leadership for giving us this fantastic opportunity of bringing a world class event to India. The AFI has been doing some incredible work to raise the profile of track and field sports in the country, and the manner in which they have come forward to support this event is a testament to their endeavours.”

Representative image.© X (Twitter)

Star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra will not train with his coach Jan Zelezny throughout the year and seek his guidance only when required, outgoing Athletics Federation of India (AFI) president Adille Sumariwalla said on Tuesday. Chopra roped in three-time Olympic champion and world record holder Zelezny (98.48m) as his coach in November 2024, setting the ball rolling for the upcoming season, where he will defend his world title. Zelezny, 58, is widely considered the greatest javelin thrower of the modern era. The Czech won three Olympic gold medals (1992, 1996, 2000)and as many world titles (1993, 1995, 2001) in his illustrious career.

Chopra till recently worked with German biomechanics expert Klaus Bartonietz, who also doubled up as his coach. Bartonietz was more or less with Chopra throughout the year.

“There are different parts to coaching — strength conditioning, technique, biomechanics etc. Normally one coach does not look after all of these and help is taken from others. These days, there is no coach in world which is attached to one athlete for 365 days,” Sumariwalla said on the opening day of the AFI AGM.

“Zelezny will come when he needs to come even if he is not 365 days with Neeraj and that is the way the world is. Neeraj has now reached that stage in his life where he needs to take assistance from different segments — strength training, conditioning, biomechanics, running and throwing. That is the way in future for all the events.” Chopra, who won a historic gold in the Tokyo Olympics and a silver in Paris Games under Bartonietz, is currently training in South Africa without Zelezny.

“There were a lot of consultations. A lot of coaches were talked to. Neeraj himself talked to a lot of coaches and we finally decided on Jan Zelezny,” said the 67-year-old Sumariwalla said about the roping in of the Czech legend.

Sumariwalla, who is a member of the powerful executive board of the World Athletics, ended his 12-year tenure as AFI chief. Asian Games gold-winning former shot putter Bahadur Singh Sagoo replaced him in the key post.

Asked about the aspects of the sport the AFI would have done better during his tenure, he said, “I would have liked more improvement in doping, over-age issue and overtraining and early specialisation of young athletes. I hope the new team will give enough attention on these issues. “We have laid the foundations and the eco system. I am sure the new team will take to much higher level. We are in the right path and we have to tweak the strategy from time to time depending on the internal and external environment. The direction of the AFI is right.” India is one of the top offenders in the world when it comes to doping and, Sumariwalla said, “The AFI is doing whatever it can do within its legal parameters. We can do two things — education and policing. This has to be done at the state and district level where the problem is.

“We have been educating the athletes at every national events. I myself have conducted sessions on doping.

“Regarding policing, we give intelligence to NADA, WADA and AIU. We have been requesting NADA from time to time to add more and more name to the Registered Testing Pool and do more out of competition testing.” He said a detailed analysis was done by the AFI after the below-par show at the Paris Olympics where most athletes, except for Neeraj Chopra, under-performed.

“We have started taking action on that. We have rejigged the (men’s) 4x400m relay team as well as the coaches. We have brought is a Jamaican coach, we have not renewed the women’s coach.” He did not commit anything when asked how many track and field athletes will compete in the upcoming National Games in Uttarakhand.

“I am not sure how many will take part. It’s a very crucial year, we have World Indoors, World Relays, Asian and World Championships. The calendar has been created for the athletes to peak during the World Championships. We will do whatever is necessary to ensure this.

“I can’t say what will happen. We will do whatever is the best interest of the country as well as the athletes.” Asked what role he will play in the AFI in future, now that he is no longer its office-bearer, Sumariwalla said, “As far as my role is concerned, I am not going anywhere, I am here to assist Bahadur (president), certain roles like dealing with World Athletics, IOA, IOC and Ministry.

“I will continue to assist in these areas under Bahadur, including being the AFI spokesperson.” 

Asian Games gold medallist sprinter Hima Das, who was exonerated for a ‘whereabouts’ failure by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), was handed a retrospective suspension by the same body in an unusual turn of events. The 16-month suspension period ran from July 22, 2023 to November 21, 2024 and the athlete is now free to take part in tournaments but what has created a flutter is that the she had been competing in events as recently as in June this year.

NADA has recently announced that she was suspended by its anti-doping panels for failing to provide her whereabouts.

Known as the ‘Dhing Express’, she was handed the suspension under a case resolution agreement as per the NADA website. She is currently training in Thiruvananthapuram.

The timeline around her suspension has created confusion as the athlete has been competing since April this year, including participating in the Indian Grand Prix meet in Bengaluru and the National Inter-State meet in Panchkula in June even as her suspension was till November 21, 2024.

The most intriguing thing is that she ran four races in June.

When PTI reached out to her after her training session on Wednesday, Hima declined to comment on the issue. An Athletics Federation of India (AFI) source also confirmed that her suspension got over in November.

A ‘case resolution agreement’ is made between the anti-doping agency and the athlete when both parties consent, and the athlete agrees to accept the consequences imposed without pursuing further appeals.

The development comes weeks after Hima received an all-clear from the NADA’s Anti-Doping Appeal Panel (ADAP) which exonerated her from doping charges arising out of three whereabouts failures in 12 months.

No details were provided by the agency on how the panels ( Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel and the Anti-Doping Appeal Panel) arrived at their conclusion that there was no ‘whereabouts’ failure on her part.

The 24-year-old Hima was last year provisionally suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for three whereabouts failures in 12 months. She was, however, cleared by the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP) following a hearing in March.

She returned to action in 200m at the Indian Grand Prix 1 in Bengaluru on April 30.

In a September 4 decision, the Anti-Doping Appeal Panel upheld the Disciplinary Panel’s ruling to clear her of doping charges. PTI PDS AH AT AT