Neeraj Chopra on Wednesday bid an emotional farewell to his German coach Klaus Bartonietz who ended his five-year partnership with the star Indian javelin thrower, citing household commitments. The 75-year-old coach, who guided Chopra to a historic gold on the Tokyo Olympics, a silver on the Paris Video games this yr, and a number of other different medals, had earlier expressed his lack of ability to proceed, as reported by PTI in October.
“I write this with out realizing the place to start. Coach, you might be greater than only a mentor to me. Every part you taught has helped me develop each as an athlete and particular person. You could have gone out of your approach to ensure I used to be mentally and bodily ready for each competitors,” Chopra wrote in X in an emotional tribute.
“You stood by me by way of damage. You had been there by way of the highs, and also you had been there much more by way of the lows.”
Chopra additionally highlighted the coach’s quiet but impactful presence, noting that whereas the laughter and pranks will probably be missed.
“You had been one of many quietest within the stands, however your phrases to me rang the loudest in my ears once I threw.
“I’ll miss the pranks and the laughs we shared, however greater than something, I’ll miss US as a group.
“Thanks for being part of my journey. Thanks for permitting me to be part of yours,” he added.
Indian athletics chief coach Radhakrishnan Nair mentioned the German’s contract expired after the Paris Olympics and a brand new coach is probably going be appointed earlier than the tip of the yr.
“Sure, Dr Klaus will not be Neeraj’s coach. The AFI and Neeraj will collectively search for a coach for him,” Indian athletics chief coach Radhakrishnan Nair advised PTI.
“In all probability, we could have a coach for him earlier than the tip of this yr. He (Dr Klaus) desires to be together with his household. His contract with Neeraj has ended after the Paris Olympics.”
The German first got here on board as a biomechanics skilled however he later grew to become Chopra’s coach after Uwe Hohn fell out with the Athletics Federation of India and the Sports activities Authority of India.
Underneath Bartonietz, Chopra received Tokyo Olympics gold, Paris Video games silver, grew to become world champion and Diamond League champion, in addition to turning into Asian Video games gold medallist.
