Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra on Monday announced the end of his decade-long association with JSW Sports as the javelin sensation launched his own athlete management firm, Vel Sports.
The 28-year-old’s rise to international stardom has been closely intertwined with JSW Sports since 2016. Chopra recalled the importance of the partnership during his formative years, acknowledging it as a cornerstone of the most successful period of his career.
“Over the last decade, our journey together has been one of growth, belief, and achievement. JSW Sports has played a defining role in my career, and I’ll always remain grateful for their support and vision,” Chopra said in a press release.
“As we conclude this chapter, I carry forward the same values into the next phase of my journey,” he added.
Chopra’s association with JSW Sports began in 2016, when he was first scouted through the JSW Sports Excellence Program (SEP) – a moment that marked the start of one of India’s most successful athlete–management journeys.
Both parties described the transition as one filled with “deep respect and pride.” JSW Sports CEO Divyanshu Singh hailed the shared history and the milestones Chopra reached while under their wing.
“Working with Neeraj has been an incredible experience for all of us at JSW Sports. His success story reflects our shared philosophy of excellence and purpose. We’re immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together and wish him continued success in all his future pursuits,” Singh said.
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In 2021, Chopra became the first Indian to clinch an Olympic track and field gold during the Tokyo Games and backed it up with a gold medal in the 2023 World Championships and a silver at the Paris Games in 2024.
Undecided on start of 2026 season
Chopra is still recovering from injuries sustained in 2025 and has not decided when to open his 2026 season, a senior Athletics Federation of India (AFI) official had told The Indian Express. The former World Champion had competed in the 2025 Tokyo World Championships with a back injury and finished eighth in the final, ending a podium streak of 2,566 days.
“Neeraj is recovering from his injuries. During the World Championships, he had two injuries. Athletes don’t usually play with such injuries but he didn’t say a word,” AFI spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla told the reporters on Saturday. “We even asked him (Neeraj) not to compete but he said I have to do it for the country.”
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