Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Neeraj Chopra, India’s golden javelin icon, is set to make history on July 5 at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium — not just as the star athlete, but also as the visionary organizer of the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic (NC Classic), a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold‑level event .

This first-ever international javelin competition on Indian soil represents a milestone for the country’s athletics ecosystem. Sanctioned as a World Athletics “A” category meet, the NC Classic elevates India to the global athletics stage, offering vital world ranking points and a pathway for athletes aiming for the upcoming World Championships.

Chopra’s dual responsibilities are evident. Between press briefings and stadium tours, the two-time Olympic medallist has been meticulously managing everything from track conditions to floodlighting – tasks far removed from his usual training routine . As he admitted, this blend of athlete and event architect is new—and challenging—but deeply satisfying, marking a significant expansion of his sporting legacy beyond medals .

Expect high-stakes competition under the floodlights. Chopra leads an elite field that includes:

• Thomas Röhler (Germany), Olympic champion with a PB of 93.90 m

• Julius Yego (Kenya), 2015 world champion with an impressive 92.72 m mark

• Curtis Thompson (USA), Pan-American champion (87.76 m)

• Luiz Mauricio da Silva (Brazil), Cyprian Mrzygłod (Poland), Rumesh Pathirage (Sri Lanka) — all seasoned international throwers .

On the Indian side, Chopra is joined by emerging talents like Sachin Yadav, Rohit Yadav, Sahil Silwal, and Yashvir Singh, who will share the field and welcome the opportunity to match strides against world-class competition.

India’s first international javelin event is not a flash in the pan. It signifies strategic ambition to nurture athletics nationally — with aspirations to expand the NC Classic to include other field events like long jump, triple jump, steeplechase, and even sprints .

Chopra emphasized the importance of giving Indian athletes exposure on home turf: “This is the beginning of a new chapter in our athletics… we want parents to bring their children… in the future, we will add more events to this meet” .

A World Athletics “A” category label not only draws elite competitors but also strengthens India’s credentials in hosting global sporting events — a critical step in its long-term vision, including an Olympic bid .

The timing of the event aligns with Chopra’s personal milestone this season: he breached the 90‑metre mark with a 90.23 m throw earlier in May, further cementing his status as the world’s leading javelin thrower . With his coach Jan Železný by his side, Chopra enters the Classic not only as host but also as the preeminent favorite to claim the title .

Bengaluru holds a special place in Chopra’s journey, harking back to his early training days at the SAI center in 2016–17. He fondly recalls balancing training with city outings — a nod to how far both the city and his career have come.

Support for the event has been robust. After originally being planned for Panchkula, the venue was shifted to Bengaluru due to lighting and infrastructure needs, with the Karnataka government stepping in to smooth arrangements .

Furthermore, Chopra made headlines for a personal philanthropic gesture — gifting a fan an all‑expense‑paid trip to attend the Classic — demonstrating his commitment to nurturing fan engagement and grassroots support .

As evening descends on July 5, Sree Kanteerava Stadium will witness more than the flight of javelins — it will mark India’s entry into hosting top-tier athletics, thanks to Neeraj Chopra’s ambition and vision. For Indian fans and aspiring athletes alike, this is a moment to celebrate, compete, and look toward a brighter, more inclusive future in the world of track and field.