Neeraj Chopra Ready to Debut at Prestigious Ostrava Event
India’s javelin throw sensation Neeraj Chopra is set to make his long-awaited debut at the Golden Spike Athletics Meet in Ostrava, Czech Republic, on Tuesday. The meet is part of the World Athletics Continental Tour – Category A, and one of Europe’s most historic track and field events. Chopra, 27, had previously planned to participate in the 2023 and 2024 editions but was forced to withdraw both times due to fitness issues.
This year, the reigning Olympic champion is in top form and eager to add another international title to his name. His participation marks a special occasion not only for Indian athletics fans but also for the meet itself, which has witnessed some of the most iconic moments in the sport’s history.
Coach Jan Zelezny’s Special Connection to the Golden Spike
The Golden Spike Meet holds a special place in javelin lore thanks to Jan Zelezny, Neeraj’s coach and one of the greatest javelin throwers in history. Zelezny, a three-time Olympic gold medallist, won this event a record nine times during his career. It was on these very fields in Ostrava that Zelezny built a part of his legendary status, and now, Chopra is hoping to follow in his mentor’s footsteps.
Speaking ahead of the event, Chopra expressed his admiration for the meet and his excitement about finally being able to compete. “It’s a great honor to compete where legends have made history. Ostrava is special to me not just because of the competition, but because of Jan sir’s legacy here,” he said.
Fitness Troubles Finally Behind Him
Chopra had to skip the Golden Spike Meet in both 2023 and 2024. In 2023, a training-related strain ruled him out of the competition. In 2024, although he was present at the event as a guest, he opted not to compete due to a niggle in his adductor muscle—a minor but recurring issue that has occasionally interrupted his otherwise stellar career.
Now fully recovered, Chopra has trained extensively under Zelezny and his support team in Europe. His recent performances indicate that he is nearing peak form just as the global athletics season intensifies ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024.
Outstanding 2025 Season So Far
Neeraj’s 2025 campaign has been nothing short of outstanding. He started his season strong with a second-place finish at the Doha Diamond League, throwing a massive 90.14 meters, breaking the elusive 90-meter barrier that had long eluded him in official competition. Though he came second, it was a personal milestone and a significant psychological boost.
Later, in Paris, Chopra clinched his first Diamond League title in two years, reaffirming his status as one of the world’s top javelin throwers. These performances have silenced critics and reinforced his Olympic medal prospects.
Eyes on the Podium in Ostrava
The Golden Spike meet will serve as a critical test before the Olympics. Chopra is expected to face strong competition from a field that includes world-class throwers like Jakub Vadlejch (Czech Republic) and Julian Weber (Germany). Both athletes are medal contenders themselves and have consistently challenged Chopra at major international events.
Despite the stiff competition, Chopra remains focused on executing his technique and sticking to the game plan. “I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself. The goal is to stay consistent and injury-free. If I get my rhythm right, the big throws will come,” he told reporters during a pre-event press conference.
Zelezny’s Mentorship a Game-Changer
The influence of Jan Zelezny on Chopra’s career cannot be overstated. Since linking up with Zelezny and his team, Chopra has shown marked improvement in his throwing technique, physical conditioning, and mental preparation. Zelezny’s insights, drawn from decades of elite-level experience, have helped Chopra elevate his training intensity and execution.
Zelezny believes Chopra has what it takes to dominate the world stage for years to come. “Neeraj is a special talent. What he needs now is consistency and proper planning. Ostrava will be a great stepping stone toward Paris,” Zelezny said.
Building Toward the Paris Olympics
With less than two months to go before the 2024 Paris Olympics, every competition now holds extra weight. For Chopra, the Golden Spike meet is more than just another title; it’s a crucial checkpoint in his Olympic build-up. Winning or even delivering a high-90m throw here could solidify his mental and physical preparedness for the biggest stage in sports.
India’s athletics community is watching closely, with expectations running high. Chopra’s gold medal in Tokyo 2021 ignited a wave of interest in track and field in India, and another Olympic medal could turn that spark into a lasting flame.