New Delhi: German biomechanical expert Klaus Burthonietz, who trained Olympian Neeraj Chopra for over five years, is retiring. The 75-year-old Barthonietz is returning home to spend more time with his family. Neeraj, a javelin thrower, won two Olympic and World Championship medals and an Asian Games medal during the period under Burthonietz’s training.

“Coach Klaus Burthonietz is stepping down as coach of the Indian Athletics team and Neeraj Chopra at the end of this season. He will return to his home country in mid-October. Till May 2022, he also trained other javelin players. He also organized a course for javelin coaches.

After crossing the age of 75, he has been told to spend more time with his family. Although he said that the service will be discontinued in 2021 itself, he continued as per our request. But this time he is firm on his decision to return” – Athletics Federation Chief Coach Radhakrishnan Nair responded to the national media.

Klaus Burthonietz joined the Athletics Federation of India in 2019. Earlier, his words praising Neeraj Chopra were noteworthy. Neeraj is a very different sportsman. Barthonietz said that Neeraj is a player who does not hesitate to work hard and is mentally strong. He added that Neeraj has a clear understanding of the sport he is competing in and his own body.