End of a Golden Era: Neeraj Chopra and Coach Klaus Bartonietz Part Ways

The successful partnership between Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and German coach Klaus Bartonietz is ending after five years. Bartonietz, citing age and family commitments, will no longer coach the 26-year-old athlete. Under his guidance, Chopra achieved numerous accolades, including Olympic gold and multiple championships.

The hugely successful partnership between star Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and his long-time coach Klaus Bartonietz of Germany is set to end after five years of working together.

The 75-year-old Bartonietz has cited his age and family commitments to part ways with Chopra, an official of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) confirmed.

'He is 75 and he now wants to be with his family and does not want too much travel also,' the official said, clarifying that it was Bartonietz's decision, not Chopra's, to end the professional relationship.

Having worked together since 2019, Bartonietz, originally a biomechanics expert, took over as Chopra's coach. Under Bartonietz's guidance, Chopra clinched Olympic gold in Tokyo, a silver in the Paris Games, and became a world champion and Diamond League champion, among other achievements.

(With inputs from agencies.)