- Birth & Family
Born on 24 December 1997 in Khandra village, Panipat district, Haryana, Neeraj belongs to an agricultural family. His parents, Satish and Saroj Devi Chopra, are farmers. He has two sisters, Savita and Sangeeta. - Schooling & Early Training
Chopra attended Bhartiya Vidya Niketan Public School in Panipat. After advising to lose weight, he joined a local gym where he discovered javelin throwers practicing and took up the sport. At age 13, he moved to the Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex in Panchkula and joined DAV College, Chandigarh, to complete his schooling. - Higher Education
He enrolled in Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, and completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in 2021.
Athletic Career Journey
Beginnings & Rise (2010–2016)
- In 2010, he began training under Jaiveer Singh and later under Naseem Ahmad, despite limited resources.
- In 2012, he won gold at the National Junior Athletics Championships with a junior national record.
- In 2016, he set a world junior record of 86.48 m and became the first Indian to win gold at the World U‑20 Championships.
International Breakthrough (2017–2020)
- Gold medals came at the 2017 Asian Athletics Championships, 2018 Commonwealth Games, and 2018 Asian Games, where he was also India’s flag-bearer.
- An injury in 2017 sidelined him, but he bounced back to train in Germany and returned stronger.
Olympic Glory & Continued Success (2021–2024)
- Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021): Made history as the first Indian to win an Olympic gold in track and field.
- 2022 World Championships: Secured a silver medal.
- Paris 2024 Olympics: Added a silver medal to his name with an 89.45 m throw.
- Maintained a consistent podium finish streak in international competitions since 2020.
Breaking the 90 m Barrier & Building a Legacy (2025–)
- In May 2025, he threw 90.23 m—a historic leap beyond the 90 m mark.
- Hosted and won the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic, a major international javelin event held in Bengaluru.
Coaching Timeline
| Period | Coach |
|---|---|
| 2010–2011 | Jaiveer Singh |
| 2011–2016 | Naseem Ahmad |
| 2016 | Kashinath Naik |
| 2016–2017 | Gary Calvert |
| 2018–2021 | Uwe Hohn |
| 2021–2024 | Klaus Bartonietz |
| 2025–present | Jan Železný |
Recognition & Army Involvement
- Since 2016, Neeraj has served in the Indian Army’s Territorial Army and rose through the ranks to become a Lieutenant Colonel in 2025.
- Awards include the Khel Ratna, Padma Shri, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal. A stadium in Pune has been renamed in his honor, and he has been named “Man of the Year” and Switzerland Tourism’s Indian Ambassador.
Personal Life
- In January 2025, Neeraj married Himani Mor, a former tennis player and coach.
Brand Endorsements & Business Ventures
- Audi India named him brand ambassador in 2025.
- Reports estimate his net worth at around ₹37 crore, with earnings from prize money, endorsements, and his army salary. He owns a luxurious bungalow and a collection of expensive vehicles.
- His success has elevated him to celebrity status, comparable to Bollywood stars and cricketers.
From a chubby farm boy in Haryana to Olympic and World Champion, Neeraj Chopra’s journey is a testament to talent, grit, and perseverance. With a landmark career, elite coaching, strong family support, significant endorsements, and army honors, Neeraj continues to inspire millions—and write new chapters in Indian athletics.
