Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra has officially stepped into entrepreneurship with the launch of Vel Sports, his own athlete management company. The announcement marks the end of his long-standing association with JSW Sports, which confirmed that the partnership has formally concluded, calling it “the beginning of a new chapter” for India’s most celebrated track and field athlete.
At just 27, Chopra’s move signals a shift from being solely an athlete to becoming a stakeholder in the broader sports ecosystem—one where he can shape careers, representation, and opportunities for athletes like himself.
Credits: Business Standard
From Tokyo Glory to Global Stardom
Neeraj Chopra, often hailed as the “Man with the Golden Arm,” became a household name after scripting history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where he won India’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in track and field. His triumph not only elevated Indian athletics on the global stage but also inspired a new generation of athletes across the country.
Since Tokyo, Chopra has continued to dominate the international javelin circuit. His achievements include a World Championship gold medal in 2023 and a silver medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024, alongside consistent podium finishes across Diamond League and international events. These accomplishments have firmly established him as one of the greatest athletes India has ever produced.
A Decade-Long Journey With JSW Sports Ends
Neeraj Chopra’s professional journey has been closely intertwined with JSW Sports since 2016. Reflecting on the association, Chopra described his experience with the sports management firm as one built on growth, trust, and success. He credited JSW Sports for playing a significant role in shaping his career, supporting him through highs and lows, and backing his long-term vision as an elite athlete.
As the partnership concludes, Chopra emphasized that the values he learned during his time with JSW Sports—discipline, excellence, and purpose—will guide him in this next phase of his journey.
JSW Sports Reflects on a Historic Partnership
Divyanshu Singh, CEO of JSW Sports, expressed pride in Neeraj Chopra’s evolution, calling their collaboration an “amazing journey.” Singh noted that Chopra’s rise reflects the shared philosophy between the athlete and the organisation, centred on excellence and intent.
JSW Sports, which has played a key role in developing several Indian athletes, wished Chopra success in his future endeavours, highlighting the legacy the two have built together over nearly a decade.
Inside Vel Sports Management
Vel Sports Management has been established as a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) and is registered in Panipat, Haryana. As per official records up to March 2024, the entity had a capital contribution of ₹10 lakh, along with reserves and surplus amounting to ₹1.04 crore.
The LLP has two designated partners—Neeraj Chopra, who contributed ₹9.50 lakh, and Surendra Kumar, who contributed ₹50,000. Financial disclosures show liabilities of around ₹2 lakh, while total assets exceed ₹5.72 crore, indicating a strong balance sheet for a relatively young entity.
Strong Financial Performance Signals Big Ambitions
Interestingly, although Vel Sports’ reported turnover was under ₹40 lakh, the company disclosed a gross turnover of over ₹11.14 crore for the period between April 21 and March 31, 2024. Even more striking is the profit after tax (PAT) of over ₹5.65 crore for the same period, suggesting robust commercial traction early on.
Chopra had publicly confirmed the company’s incorporation in April 2023, hinting that Vel Sports may have already been active behind the scenes before the formal announcement.
Credits: Times of India
A New Chapter Beyond the Field
With Vel Sports, Neeraj Chopra appears poised to leverage his global stature, firsthand experience, and credibility to redefine athlete management in India. As Indian sports becomes increasingly professional and commercial, Chopra’s entrepreneurial leap could mark the rise of athlete-led businesses shaping the future of the industry.
For the Olympic champion, the javelin may still fly far—but now, so does his vision beyond the field.
