Neeraj Chopra launched VEL Sports Management in January 2026 after ending his decade-long partnership with JSW Sports. The Olympic champion has now revealed the story behind the name Vel, inspired by Lord Kartikeya and Goddess Parvati.
Double Olympic and World Championship medalist Neeraj Chopra has started a new chapter in his life. In January 2026, he launched his own athlete management company called Vel Sports. Even though he is still competing at the highest level, Neeraj has now also become an entrepreneur. This move ended his decade-long partnership with JSW Sports, which managed him in his formative days.
Neeraj Chopra was one of the earliest athletes signed by JSW Sports when he was a teenager in 2016 under its Sports Excellence Programme. The company supported him during the biggest moments of his career, including when he won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He went on to achieve several other feats during the long-running partnership.
Neeraj reveals the meaning of Vel
After
Neeraj’s contract with JSW Sports ended in December 2025, both sides decided not to renew it. Soon after, Neeraj announced his own firm called VEL Sports Management. While announcing his new company, the former world champion also shared the emotional story behind the name ‘Vel’.
“I would like to share the story behind the name ‘Vel’ in VEL Sports Management. While working with my team, we came across several names, one of which was Vel. When we looked into its meaning, we found out that the son of Shiva and Parvati, Murugan, carried a divine spear called the Vel. I also throw the javelin, and I noticed that Vel is part of the word. I felt a connection there, so we decided to go ahead with the name,” Neeraj said in a video shared on the company’s website.
In Hindu mythology, Lord Kartikeya, also known as Murugan, is the son of Shiva and Parvati and a god of war, victory, and wisdom. The Vel is a divine spear he is always seen carrying with him and it is believed it was given to him by Goddess Parvati. As far as Neeraj is concerned, he may have felt a very personal connection with the word as he throws the javelin, which is also a type of spear.
Interestingly, company records show that VEL Sports Management was incorporated in December 2023, with Neeraj and Surender Kumar as its two directors. There were already talks that he wanted to take more responsibility beyond just competing. During the NC Classic event last year, which is named after him, Neeraj was involved in the planning and management.
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