The coach who won gold in Olympics left Neeraj Chopra, pain of India's star athlete spilled on social media

sports desk : Neeraj Chopra on Wednesday bid an emotional farewell to his Germany coach Klaus Bartowitz who ended his five-year partnership with the star Indian javelin thrower citing family commitments. Chopra won several other medals, including a historic gold at the Tokyo Olympics and a silver at the Paris Games this year, under the guidance of the 75-year-old coach.

Chopra wrote on 'X', “I am writing without knowing where to start. Coach, you are more than just a mentor to me. Everything you have taught me has helped me grow as an athlete and person. You have tried your best to ensure that I am mentally and physically prepared for every competition.”

He said, “You stood by me even during the injury. You stayed with me through the ups and downs and you stayed with me even more through the tough times.” Chopra also highlighted Bartonitz's quiet but commanding presence and said that his laughter and banter will be missed.

I write this without knowing where to begin.

Coach, you are more than just a mentor to me. Everything you taught has helped me grow both as an athlete and person. You have gone out of your way to make sure I was mentally and physically prepared for every competition. You stood… pic.twitter.com/kJxaPqmHmm

— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) November 6, 2024

He said, “You were one of the quietest people in the stands but your words echoed in my ears the most when I threw.” I will miss your banter and laughter, but most of all I will miss us as a team.” Chopra said, “Thank you for being a part of my journey. Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey.”

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Indian athletics head coach Radhakrishnan Nair said the contract of Germany coach Bartonitz had expired after the Paris Olympics and a new coach is likely to be appointed before the end of the year. Nair said, “Yes, Dr. Claus will no longer be Neeraj's coach. AFI and Neeraj will together look for a coach for him.”

Under his guidance, Chopra won gold in the Tokyo Olympics, silver in the Paris Games, besides becoming world champion and Diamond League champion, he also became the Asian Games gold medalist.

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