Neeraj Chopra parts ways with JSW, to set up Vel Sports
The decade-long partnership between Neeraj Chopra and JSW Sports is formally over.
The star javelin thrower, one of its earliest signings as a teenager, and JSW officially announced the decision on Monday, along with the announcement of Neeraj launching his own athlete management firm, Vel Sports. The contract between the two reportedly ran out in December 2025, with both sides agreeing not to renew it. Interestingly, company records mention Vel Sports as being incorporated as early as December 2023, with Neeraj as one of its two directors.
Neeraj’s association with JSW Sports began in 2016 after being scouted through the Sports Excellence Programme, and the organisation saw the athlete through the biggest moments of his career, and Indian athletics, including gold at the Tokyo Olympics and silver in Paris with the World Championship crown in between in 2023 besides winning the Diamond League in 2022.
Talk of Neeraj taking a more active entrepreneurial responsibility had been around ever since the NC Classic last year, which he practically handled down to the last detail first in Panchkula and then in Bengaluru. While it has not been announced yet, sources have also confirmed that Neeraj is keen on developing a track & field High Performance Centre as well in the near future.
“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,” JSW Sports CEO Divyanshu Singh said in a statement.
“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,” Neeraj, a Lt. Colonel in the Indian Army, said.
Published on Jan 05, 2026