NEW DELHI: India`s two-time Olympic javelin medallist Neeraj Chopra has appointed Czech great Jan Zelezny as his coach, the 26-year-old said on Saturday.

Chopra, who followed up his gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 with a silver medal at this year`s Paris Games, had been coached by German Klaus Bartonietz, who retired this week.

`Growing up, I admire d Jan`s technique and precision and spent a lot of time watching videos of him,` Chopra said in a statement published by the Sports Authority of India.

`He was the best in the sport for so many years, and I believe that working with him will be invaluable because our throwing styles are similar and his knowledge is unmatched.

`It`s an honour to have Jan by my side as I push towards the next level in my career, and I can`t wait to get started.

Zelezny won gold at the 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympics and silver in 1998. The 58-year-old also holds the men`s javelin record with a mark of 98.48 metres, achieved in 1996.

`I like his story and I see big potential, as he is young and able to improve, Zelezny said in the statement. `We are getting to know each other more closely and will start in person at a traditional winter camp in South Africa.

`I believe in his progress, especially in the technical aspect, so that he can continue achieving top positions at the main championships.`-Reuters