Neeraj Chopra launches Vel Sports, concluding decade with JSW Sports

Neeraj Chopra and JSW Sports have formally concluded their long-standing partnership, bringing to a close a collaboration that has played a central role in shaping one of India’s most successful sporting careers. The announcement coincides with Chopra’s launch of Vel Sports, a new athlete management firm that signals his entry into entrepreneurship while continuing his competitive career.

Chopra’s association with JSW Sports began in 2016, when he was identified through the JSW Sports Excellence Program. He formally joined JSW Sports the same year, marking the beginning of a partnership that would span nearly a decade. Over this period, the relationship evolved into a defining example of athlete management in Indian sport, combining performance support, long-term planning and global exposure.

During his time with JSW Sports, Chopra achieved several milestones. Often referred to as the ‘man with the golden arm’, he became the first Indian athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field at the Tokyo 2020 Games. He followed this with a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in 2023 and a silver medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024. In addition, he secured multiple podium finishes across international competitions, establishing consistent presence at the top level of global javelin throwing.

As Chopra launches Vel Sports, he takes an approach that differs from traditional athlete career trajectories. While many athletes move into entrepreneurship after retirement, he has chosen to begin building his business interests during his competitive prime. JSW Sports has supported this transition, viewing it as a natural evolution rather than a departure from shared values.

Commenting on the conclusion of the partnership, Divyanshu Singh, CEO of JSW Sports, said, “Working with Neeraj has been an incredible experience for all of us at JSW Sports. His success story reflects our shared philosophy of excellence and purpose. We’re immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together and wish him continued success in all his future pursuits.”

Chopra also reflected on the partnership and its impact on his career. “Over the last decade, our journey together has been one of growth, belief, and achievement. JSW Sports has played a defining role in my career, and I’ll always remain grateful for their support and vision. As we conclude this chapter, I carry forward the same values into the next phase of my journey,” he said.

Vel Sports will focus on athlete management, leveraging Chopra’s first-hand experience as a professional sportsperson competing at the highest level. While specific details of the firm’s operations have not yet been disclosed, the move positions Chopra to contribute to the sporting ecosystem beyond his own performance, particularly in mentoring and managing emerging talent.

Both Chopra and JSW Sports have emphasised that the decision to part ways was made with mutual respect and shared pride in what has been achieved. JSW Sports will continue its broader mission of identifying and supporting promising Indian athletes, while Chopra begins a new chapter that blends elite sport with entrepreneurship.

The decade-long association leaves behind a legacy defined by trust, long-term thinking and historic achievement. As Chopra expands his role within Indian sport through Vel Sports, the foundation built during his time with JSW Sports is expected to inform his approach to athlete development and management in the years ahead.