NEW ERA, SAME VIGOUR FOR NEERAJ

WHEN Neeraj Chopra is introduced to the spectators at the Qatar Sports Club Stadium a little after 7.30 PM local time (10 PM IST) on Friday, it will mark the beginning of a new era for India's only active two-time Olympic medallist in athletics.

- SWAROOP SWAMINATHAN @Chennai

WHEN Neeraj Chopra is introduced to the spectators at the Qatar Sports Club Stadium a little after 7.30 PM local time (10 PM IST) on Friday, it will mark the beginning of a new era for India's only active two-time Olympic medallist in athletics. For so long, the long-haired, bandana-wearing Chopra, the man responsible for leading a javelin revolution in the country, had in his corner the German biomechanics expert, Klaus Bartonietz.

That highly successful association—two Olympic medals including a gold in 2021, a similar haul at the Worlds and other big-ticket events—came to an end late last year after the 76-year-old quit the programme to spend some time with his family.

Athletes are generally creatures of habit. Even before heading to sleep the previous night, their next 24 hours are carefully mapped to ensure every minute is spent in becoming the best versions of themselves. Considering that, moving beyond a coach who had been a part of his shadow for the last five years is a significant challenge.