 "Neeraj Chopra and coach Klaus Bartonietz part ways after successful Olympic medal-winning partnership")
Dr. Klaus Bartonietz, whose partnership with former Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra brought unprecedented success, is set to end his association with the star Indian javelin thrower. The 75-year-old has decided to return home to Germany to spend more time with his family.
With Bartonietz at his side, Neeraj won two Olympic medals including the gold in Tokyo 202 Games and silver earlier this year in Paris. He also won World Championship gold and silver under Bartonietz’s guidance besides an Asian Games gold medal.
Why Bartonietz is leaving?
Bartonietz was hired by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) in 2019 as a biomechanical expert but became Neeraj’s coach after the athlete parted ways with Uwe Hohn.
Klaus ’ departure was confirmed by AFI president Adille Sumariwalla to the New Indian Express.
“He told us about this earlier this season because he is also not growing younger,” said Sumariwalla. “He wanted to spend more time with his family.”
“We feel that he also needs someone new after spending five years with Klaus,” said Sumariwalla. “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.”
New coach update
It was known for a while in the athletics circle that Bartonietz was not going to continue with Neeraj after the 2024 season, however, AFI is still looking to engage him in junior programmes.
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View All“We have not discussed but we would love to continue with our association. I would love to have him in our junior programme, especially the knowledge he has will do wonders with our junior athletes,” Sumariwalla added.
As far as Neeraj’s next coach is concerned, there’s no clarity on it. The AFI and Neeraj are expected to start the search soon.
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