Two-time Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra is set to part ways with his long-time German coach Klaus Bartonietz. Bartonietz, 75, has cited family commitments and his age as the reason for the separation.
The German joined Neeraj initially as a biomechanics expert and subsequently became his coach in 2019. Bartonietz took over as Neeraj's coach after Uwe Hohn stepped down from the role.
An official of the Athletics Federation of India revealed that Bartonietz wants to spend time with his family and therefore has decided to end his association with Neeraj. The official also quashed the rumours that suggested that the reigning Asian champion wanted to bring an end to his partnership with the Germans.
"He (Bartonietz) is 75 and he now wants to be with his family and does not want too much travel also," an official of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) told PTI.
"It is not that Neeraj wants to end the association, it is Bartonietz who has expressed his inability to continue as his (Neeraj's) coach," he added.
Under Bartonietz's guidance, Neeraj scaled several milestones. Neeraj clinched the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics and was crowned the World and Diamond League champion. Neeraj, 26, also claimed the gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
“Coach Klaus Bartonietz won’t continue with the Indian athletics team and Neeraj Chopra after this season. He is returning to his hometown in mid-October. Till May 2022, he was also involved in coaching other javelin athletes also and also conducting courses for javelin coaches. The reason is that he is nearly 76 years old and he wants to stay with his family. He was not willing to continue after 2021 but we requested him and he agreed. But this time he is going back,” Athletics Federation of India chief coach Radhakrishnan Nair told The Indian Express.
