Early Life and Education of Neeraj Chopra: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 1, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Neeraj Chopra. A timeline of key moments.

Neeraj Chopra is a highly accomplished Indian javelin thrower, widely regarded as India's greatest in the sport. He is an Olympic, World Championships, and Asian Games medalist, holding a unique distinction of winning gold medals in each of these major tournaments. Most notably, he won gold at the 2020 Olympics, becoming the first Asian javelin thrower to achieve this feat. He further solidified his legacy by becoming the first Asian to win gold in javelin at the World Championships in 2023. Chopra also holds the junior javelin throw world record since 2016. He also has a podium finish streak in 24 consecutive competitions.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

December 1997: Neeraj Chopra's Birth

In December 1997, Neeraj Chopra, an Indian track and field athlete, was born.

December 1997: Birth in Haryana

Neeraj Chopra was born on 24 December 1997 in Khandra village in Panipat district of Haryana.

2010: Jaiveer Singh Coaching

In 2010, Neeraj Chopra began training under Jaiveer Singh.

2010: Moved to Panchkula for Training

In 2010, Neeraj Chopra moved to Panchkula to train at the Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex, at the age of 13.

2010: Training with Kashinath Naik

In 2010, Neeraj Chopra was assigned Kashinath Naik, 2010 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, as his coach.

2010: Trial at SAI Center

In the winter of 2010, Neeraj Chopra trialed himself at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Panipat, leading to formal training.

2011: Coaching Under Naseem Ahmed

From 2011, Neeraj Chopra was coached by Naseem Ahmed.

September 2016: Training at SAI Center in Bangalore

In September 2016, Neeraj Chopra left the Netaji Subhas Institute to train at the SAI centre in Bangalore.

December 2016: Induction into Indian Army

In December 2016, Neeraj Chopra was formally inducted as a Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army and was offered a rank of Naib Subedar in the Rajputana Rifles.

2016: Coaching Under Kashinath Naik and Gary Calvert

In 2016, Kashinath Naik briefly coached Neeraj Chopra, followed by Gary Calvert.

2016: Recruitment into Indian Army

In 2016, Neeraj Chopra was recruited into the Indian Army and selected for the Mission Olympics Wing training at the Army Sports Institute in Pune.

2016: National Training Camp

In early 2016, as a result of his performance, Neeraj Chopra was called to the national-level training camp at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports in Patiala.

November 2017: Training in Germany

In November 2017, Neeraj Chopra left for Offenburg in Germany to train with Werner Daniels, focusing on strength training and technique.

2017: Gary Calvert Coaching

In 2017, Gary Calvert continued to coach Neeraj Chopra.

2018: Uwe Hohn Coaching

In 2018, Uwe Hohn began coaching Neeraj Chopra.

2021: Start of Coaching Under Klaus Bartonietz

In 2021, Neeraj Chopra began coaching under Klaus Bartonietz, leading to multiple victories.

2021: Enrollment at Lovely Professional University

In 2021, Neeraj Chopra enrolled at Lovely Professional University in Jalandhar, Punjab, and then proceeded to complete his Bachelor of Arts degree.

2021: Uwe Hohn Coaching End

In 2021, Uwe Hohn's coaching of Neeraj Chopra concluded.

2024: Coaching Under Klaus Bartonietz Concludes

In 2024, Neeraj Chopra's coaching under Klaus Bartonietz concluded, after numerous wins and gold medals. Soon after, he joined Jan Železný's training group.