In Potchefstroom, South Africa, ace javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra will practice for one month during the offseason.

With his off-season training serving as early preparation for the start of the new season and the new Olympic cycle, Neeraj will depart for the South African city later this month. The Indian sports ministry will cover the whole cost of the stint.

In a statement, the ministry of sports revealed how Neeraj trained throughout the offseason. Neeraj Chopra’s training will begin early, and he will spend 31 days in Potchefstroom. According to a statement from the sports ministry, Neeraj will be able to pay his and his physiotherapist’s accommodation, boarding, and training costs throughout his stay in South Africa, thanks to funding from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS).

Whether it was in preparation for the Tokyo or Paris Olympics, the Haryana-based athlete has often made Potchefstroom his training headquarters.

Prior to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the 26-year-old competed in a tournament in Potchefstroom in January. Among his best throws was the one he made at McArthur Stadium during the ACNW League Meeting 1, which was 87.86 meters.

The Diamond League Final in Brussels in September was Neeraj’s most recent competitive event, when he threw 87.86 meters. He threw an 89.49-meter discus in the Lausanne Diamond League before the final.

Neeraj won silver in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris with a throw of 89.45 meters. With two of his six tries, Pakistani Arshad Nadeem broke the 90-meter barrier, earning him the gold medal.

Following a fruitful five-year partnership, Neeraj and his German coach Klaus Bartonietz parted ways, and the Athletics Federation of India and the athlete are now seeking a replacement coach. The new coach for Neeraj would be announced before the year ends, according to India’s head athletics coach, Radhakrishnan Nair.

Winning the gold medal in the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo will be Neeraj Chopra’s crucial duty that year. His 88.17-meter throw earned him first place in the 2023 World Championships in Budapest.

For his part, Neeraj plans to break the 90-meter barrier. A personal best of 89.94 meters is his mark.