India have seen a lot of foreign coaches who have trained Olympians and World champions. But one face is familiar with every Indian and he is Dr Klaus Bartoneitz, Neeraj Chopra’s former coach. Together they created history by winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics, followed by silver at the 2022 World Championships, gold at the 2023 Worlds, and finally silver at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. His tenure with Neeraj came to an end in late 2024. Their last competition together was the Diamond League final in Brussels in September 2024.
The biomechanics expert Dr Klaus has been roped in by JSW Inspire Institute of Sports (IIS) as a mentor to groom young talents. He is creating training plans, conducting online classes for coaches, and mentoring younger athletes including Annu Rani, Deepika and Manpreet Singh.
The Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Assam in partnership with the Inspire Institute of Sports is currently conducting a coaches Orientation and Development Program in Guwahati from 18 January to 23 January 2026. Dr Klaus is currently sharing his experience with the fresh and the experienced coaches.
The writer caught up with De Klaus in Guwahati to understand his equation with Neeraj Chopra.
Q: Could you summarize your journey with Neeraj Chopra?
Dr Klaus: Well, I would not call it an end of my working career, it was an absolutely highlight of my career. It was exciting to win so many competitions and he has been such a wonderful athlete so it made my journey more exciting. Working with him opened doors to me.
Q: So you wanted to go back home (Germany)and enjoy family life how did JSW happen to you?
Dr Klaus: JSW (IIS) wanted me to continue with them, with the young athletes, I worked in Hissar and it been a great experience for me.
Q: You said “we are teachers as coaches, we opened our doors and it is for the student to come inside gain knowledge”
Dr Klaus: It’s a natural way you know we are teaching and we should prepare them for the worse. We need to prepare and support them. We opened the door and give them opportunities and learning during this period.
Q: What is your take on Neeraj Chopra Classic?
Dr Klaus: I saw for the first time in India that a competition is held in India which had spectators. A lot of time It was like an alien for us that we had a track and field competition and we had only athletes watching us, it’s crazy because we want to show to the world and entertain too, so having spectators is always welcomed. He is managing everything so well.
Q: Any particular memories with Neeraj that stayed with you?
Dr Klaus: Lots of them but wining the Tokyo Olympic Gold was very special for both of us, especially the fifth throw when it was over and it was clear that Neeraj is the winner because you can’t say anything till the last throw.
Q: Did the 90-meter mark really mattered to you and Neeraj?
Dr Klaus: No not at all, he did not feel any pressure nor did I. We knew it’s just a number. As a coach I don’t think about inches and meters. For me the most important task was to keep the athlete healthy and injury free.
Q: What is your advice to the coaches?
Dr Klaus: The coaches looked very enthusiastic which means they enjoy what they do. My philosophy is when you enjoy what you do you can do well.
PRARTHANA HAZARIKA
SR SPORTS JOURNALIST
Mail me at : [email protected]
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