Kolkata : 2 times Indian Olympic medalist and iconic Javelin Thrower has parted ways with his Coach Klaus Bartonietz, who guided him to the 2 times Olympic glory.
It is understood that Klaus, now 75, has cited family commitments and his age as the reasons for the separation.
The German first came on board as a biomechanical expert and took over as Chopra’s coach after Uwe Hohn fell out with the AFI and the Sports Authority of India. Since then, the iconic duo touched glories all over the World.
An official of the Athletics Federation of India revealed that Bartonietz wants to spend time with his family and therefore has decided to end his association with Neeraj. The official also quashed the rumours that suggested that the reigning Asian champion wanted to bring an end to his partnership with the Germans.
“He (Bartonietz) is 75 and he now wants to be with his family and does not want too much travel also,” an official of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) told PTI.
“It is not that Neeraj wants to end the association, it is Bartonietz who has expressed his inability to continue as his (Neeraj’s) coach,” he added.
Under Bartonietz’s guidance, Neeraj touched several milestones. Neeraj clinched the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, Silver Medal in Paris Olympics 2024 and was crowned the World and Diamond League champion. Besides this, Neeraj, 26, also claimed the gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
“Coach Klaus Bartonietz won’t continue with the Indian athletics team and Neeraj Chopra after this season. He is returning to his hometown in mid-October. Till May 2022, he was also involved in coaching other javelin athletes also and also conducting courses for javelin coaches. The reason is that he is nearly 76 years old and he wants to stay with his family. He was not willing to continue after 2021 but we requested him and he agreed. But this time he is going back,” Athletics Federation of India chief coach Radhakrishnan Nair told The Indian Express.
At the moment, the Athletics Federation of India and Neeraj are looking at some names that could replace the German.
“He also would need some changes in his thinking, psychology, and even training. I think in a way it might be a good thing for him. Together we are looking for a good coach. We are looking for someone with whom Neeraj would be comfortable and are talking to a lot of people. We will get him another good coach soon,” AFI president Adille Sumariwalla told The New Indian Express on the matter.
