Klaus Bartonietz back with Neeraj Chopra? AFI ropes German coach in a new role

Klaus Bartonietz, the former coach of India’s Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, is back with The Athletics Federation of India (AFI), but this time in a new role. Instead of coaching a specific athlete, Klaus will share his expertise through specially designed coaching workshops. These workshops are part of AFI’s goal to improve the standard of coaching in India.

AFI has launched ten coaching workshops to upgrade training practices in the country. These workshops will feature globally renowned experts focusing on different athletic disciplines. The aim is to raise the standard of coaching and bring global expertise to Indian athletes.

Renowned coaches to lead sessions

The program will bring together some of the most respected names in athletics coaching. Klaus Bartonietz himself will lead the sessions on javelin throw techniques. Don Babbitt will cover other throwing events. For sprint and hurdles, coaches Loren Seagrave and Jonas Dodoo are set to share their insights. Middle and long-distance training will be handled by specialists Gunter Lange and Scott Simmons. Additionally, Valeri Obidko will conduct sessions on jump techniques.

A broader focus on training

The workshops will not only concentrate on specific athletic events but will also include discussions about strength and conditioning as well as general training methodologies. AFI Secretary Ravinder Chaudhry mentioned that the federation has conducted multiple coaching programs this year and is committed to expanding these initiatives further.

Klaus and Neeraj: A successful partnership Ends

Recently, Klaus Bartonietz ended his successful partnership with Neeraj Chopra and returned home, citing his age and family commitments. The 75-year-old coach had played a crucial role in Neeraj’s development as a world-class javelin thrower.

After Klaus’s departure, Neeraj Chopra started working with the renowned Czech coach Jan Zelezny. Zelezny holds the world record for the javelin throw at 98.48 meters and has won three Olympic gold medals. He is considered one of the greatest javelin throwers in history and has coached other top athletes like Jakub Vadlejch, who won silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and Vitezslav Vesely, who won bronze at the same event.