Athletics
Neeraj Chopra to train in South Africa during off-season
Olympic star Neeraj Chopra will begin intensive training in South Africa to hit the 90m mark.
Neeraj Chopra finished second at the Diamond League final in Brussels as Anderson Peters pipped him by a centimetre on September 14, 2024. (Photo credit: Olympics)
Indian javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra is setting his sights on breaking the 90-meter barrier as he embarks on a rigorous, month-long training program in Potchefstroom, South Africa, in preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
This training regimen, funded by India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, marks the beginning of Chopra’s journey toward next year’s competitions.
After a challenging season marred by injuries, the 26-year-old double Olympic medalist is focused on a fresh start.
He’ll spend 31 days in Potchefstroom, a venue familiar to him from previous Olympic preparation phases, including the Tokyo and Paris Games. "It was an injury-plagued year, but the injury is fine now. I will be 100 percent fit for the new season," Chopra reassured fans recently.
This off-season training will also allow Chopra to make the transition to a new coach following his five-year partnership with Klaus Bartonietz. Indian athletics officials have confirmed that a new coach will be appointed by the end of the year.
In 2024, Chopra captured the World Championship title in Budapest with a throw of 88.17m.
For the upcoming season, his primary goals include defending his title in Tokyo and breaking his personal best of 89.94m, set in 2022.
