New Delhi: Russia’s two-time Olympic medallist Sergey Makarov Aleksandrovich has been appointed as the foreign javelin coach for Indian javelin throwers, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) announced on Monday. The 51-year-old will be responsible to oversee the preparations of the country’s javelin throwers with the focus on the World Athletics Championships, which will take place in September this year.
Makarov claimed bronze medals at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and 2004 Athens Olympics in men’s javelin throw. He had a personal best throw of 92.61m, which was set in the year 2002 in Sheffield. His father Aleksandr was also an Olympic medallist winner as he bagged the sliver medal in the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow.
He also achieved bronze medals at the 2003 Paris and 2005 Helsinki World Championships editions. Makarov has crossed the benchmark of 90m mark on four instances during his career.
The Russian athlete’s appointment is made to prepare athletes for the new Olympic cycle. AFI recommended the Makarov’s name to the Sports Ministry as it is an eventful year for the Indian athletes with the Asian Championships and World Athletics Championships being the major attractions.
“The Russian javelin throw expert arrived earlier this week and will be based at Patiala’s National Institute of Sports in Punjab,” AFI chief coach Radhakrishnan Nair was quoted as saying in a press release.
“Aleksandrovich’s vast experience as an athlete and coach will surely give fillip to development of javelin throw in the country,” he added.
Makarov’s presence to boost Neeraj’s chances to break 90m?
Makarov’s coaching credentials are equally impressive, having served as the head coach of the Russian national javelin team from 2012 to 2018. His task will be to closely work and groom the current crop of Indian javelin throwers, including double-Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra and Annu Rani.
Neeraj has been mentored by several coaches throughout his career including the legendary Uwe Hohn and biomechanics expert Dr Klaus Bartonietz who guided him to the historic Olympic gold in 2021 among other major triumphs.
The 75-year-old Bartonietz left after the Paris Olympics because of his old age as Czech world record holder Jan Zelezny joined the Indian star ahead of the 2025 season. Jan and Makarov’s involvement will be crucial for Neeraj to breach the much-anticipated 90m mark with the Haryana athlete’s personal best throw reads 89.94m.
Sergey Makarov, a two-time Olympic medalist in javelin throw, has been appointed as the foreign javelin coach for Indian athletes. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) aims to leverage Makarov’s extensive experience to prepare Indian javelin throwers. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
