Two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra has begun his 2025 campaign in style, winning the gold medal at the NWU Potch Invitational in South Africa on Thursday. Throwing a best of 84.52 meters, Neeraj easily beat local rivals Douw Smit (82.44m) and Duncan Robertson (71.22m) to be atop the podium.
Season opener 84.52 m @Neeraj_chopra1 good start!!! pic.twitter.com/yWmbyXdGMU
---Advertisement---— TZA Throwing Zone Athletics (@MichaelMMG71) April 16, 2025
This was Neeraj’s inaugural competitive outing of the year and acted as a preparatory event of great importance before more demanding international meets. His next major outing will be at the high-profile Doha Diamond League, a month from now. Reputed for bringing out a world-class roster of athletes, Doha will challenge Neeraj’s rhythm and consistency under demanding conditions and against top-level athletes.
The 2025 season will be a defining turning point in the career of Neeraj Chopra, as the Olympic champion embarks on a new era under new coaching. Having had a successful period with Dr. Klaus Bartonietz, whom he partnered with to win Olympic gold in Tokyo, silver in Paris, and Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships podium spots, Neeraj has now partnered with javelin legend Jan Zelezny.
Zelezny, the world record holder and among the all-time great throwers, has the unparalleled experience and track record. Interestingly, he had earlier guided Czech athletes who were among Chopra’s most serious rivals in the Tokyo Olympics. With this high-profile coaching change, the world is now watching how the combination goes and how it directs Neeraj’s training towards what will likely be another season of blockbuster drama in international athletics.
