New Delhi: India’s reigning Olympic javelin champion Neeraj Chopra has overcome concerns about his fitness for the Paris Games, his German coach Klaus Bartonietz said. The 26-year-old had been struggling with an adductor problem in recent months, prompting precautionary measures and selective participation in competitions.

Speaking exclusively to PTI from Antalya, Turkey, where they are currently training, Bartonietz assured that Chopra’s condition is now stable. He stressed that they are in the intensive phase of preparations, with Chopra focusing on full throwing sessions as the Olympics approach.

Chopra withdrew from the Ostrava Golden Spike on May 28 due to concerns about his adductor, but bounced back strongly to win gold at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland on June 18 with a throw of 85.97m. He subsequently opted to withdraw from the Paris Diamond League on July 7, a decision Bartonietz defended, citing minor issues and the event’s non-essential status in their preparation plan.

Bartonietz reflected on Chopra’s training regimen, outlining a routine similar to the approach they took before the Tokyo Olympics. It consisted of morning and evening sessions that emphasized sprinting, jumping, throwing and weightlifting to increase activity.

Bartonietz dismissed the concerns when he addressed the reduced number of competitions Chopra has participated in compared to his pre-Tokyo schedule. He noted that excessive competitions can disrupt preparation and increase logistical challenges. He drew parallels to the minimalist approach of legendary thrower Jan Zelezny before his successful Olympic campaigns.

As for medal predictions, Bartonietz remained cautious despite a relatively open field in javelin this season. He emphasized the unpredictability of high-pressure Olympic competitions, where any thrower in top form can win a medal. He declined to speculate on Chopra’s chances, but acknowledged the competitive field, which includes top contenders such as German youngster Mex Dehning and former world champions.

Looking ahead to the Paris Olympics, Bartonietz commented on the advantage of the venue’s purple Mondo tracks, known for their speed-enhancing properties in sprint events. While beneficial for javelin throwers, Bartonietz emphasized the need for Chopra to take full advantage of the track’s potential speed.

Overall, as Chopra prepares for his qualifying round on August 6, Bartonietz expressed confidence in their preparation despite the uncertainties that characterize Olympic competition. He emphasized Chopra’s focus on training over competition, with the goal of peaking at the right time for another shot at Olympic glory. PTI